U.S. Sen. Kirk’s bill targets wasteful programs

U.S. Sen. Mark Kirk has introduced legislation he says will help eliminate wasteful federal programs.

The Illinois Republican, who describes himself as a social moderate and fiscal conservative, says the bill he filed this week would create an independent good government commission.

The proposed legislation would limit the commission to no more than three members of the same party. The commission would target inefficient and wasteful federal programs and then provide specific recommendations to Congress.

The bill would require legislation proposed by the commission to be considered by Congress on an expedited basis.

The legislation is a result of the nonprofit group No Labels’ initiative called “Make Government Work.” Kirk was named one of the group’s “problem solvers” this year, along with 80 other members of Congress.