Two more ideas from Senator James Lankford’s “Federal Fumbles” report have surfaced as amendments to the National Defense Authorization Act. Lankford introduced the amendments Thursday.
“There are many areas of duplication and inefficiency within the Department of Defense and Department of Veterans Affairs,” said Lankford. “These amendments are common-sense examples of ways to bring efficiencies and mission-focused strategies to the grant process, medical research, and prescription-drug program.”
One amendment would make it a requirement that Department of Defense grants must support national security. Lankford’s report pointed out a $283,500 grant to survey the habits of a bird.
The other amendment pools the prescription drug purchasing power of the DOD and Veterans Affairs. Lankford said last year the two entities spent $11.8 billion for drugs. If they had combined their purchasing power, it would have saved the taxpayers $120 million last year.
This is the latest in a series of amendments and bills that Lankford, or his allies, have proposed to clean up government waste or duplication of services.
