GAO chief calls for effort to rethink federal priorities: "The Government Accountability Office on Wednesday released a report calling for a comprehensive re-evaluation of federal spending, including fresh approaches to utilizing technology and boosting the nation's return on its research investments.

"The report (GAO-05-325SP) was released at a Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee hearing on transforming government."

"'We have to do something,' said Sen. Tom Coburn, R-Okla. 'My heartache is that things will continue as they have. The powers that be protect themselves.'"

"But Coburn, noting the empty seats in the hearing room, questioned whether lawmakers are willing to give the issue their full attention."