GOVERNMENT EFFICIENCY SHOULD BE MEASURED BY RESULTS, NOT JUST SAVINGS
Week of Oct 26, 2026
Americans deserve a government that uses taxpayer dollars responsibly while delivering the services people depend on. Yet too often, conversations about government efficiency focus almost exclusively on cutting costs rather than determining whether government is actually working better.
Reducing unnecessary spending is important, but if an agency saves money by shifting administrative burdens onto the people it serves, have we really made government more efficient? Consider the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the Department of Defense (DOD). Both operate extensive health care systems serving millions of Americans, and both have agreements allowing them to share medical services and resources.
In its May 2026 report on government duplication and potential savings, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) highlighted opportunities for these departments to work together more effectively. An earlier GAO review found that while the departments had established 185 health care sharing agreements, they lacked a comprehensive process for evaluating their effectiveness or systematically identifying additional opportunities. The potential benefits are significant: better access to care for veterans, more effective use of existing medical facilities, and savings for taxpayers.
There has been progress, as in March 2026, new evaluation tools were introduced, and data collection has begun. However, the first full performance review isn't scheduled until fiscal year 2027, and GAO's recommendations remain open.
This is where practical leadership matters. Simply telling two government agencies to cooperate isn't enough. We need to know whether that cooperation produces meaningful results. Are veterans getting appointments sooner? Are they traveling shorter distances for treatment? Are taxpayers seeing measurable savings without sacrificing quality of care? And importantly, are we willing to change course when the results don't match the promises?
The Center Party believes fiscal responsibility and effective government should go hand in hand. Responsible spending, eliminating unnecessary duplication, and developing balanced policies that stand the test of time are not competing priorities. They are essential parts of making government work for the American people.
Real government reform requires more than announcing savings or celebrating new agreements. It requires clear goals, measurable outcomes, accountability, and the willingness to improve what isn't working. We shouldn't have to choose between responsible spending and quality public services. We should expect both.
That's what a common-sense government should deliver.
Explore the Center Party's pillars, here: https://www.centerparty.com/4ps
What matters most to you when measuring government efficiency: taxpayer savings, better services, or both? Let us know in the comments!
Sources
Sources reviewed and verified October 26, 2026.
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