Outdated Laws

Congressman Jim Cooper on outdated government programs:

This is why there are dozens, sometimes hundreds of overlapping and duplicative programs for favored constituencies, as opposed to one or two programs that really deliver. This also explains why our laws are so complex that they are becoming almost impossible to understand.
A small but classic example from my jurisdiction on the House Armed Services Committee is the mohair subsidy, which originated post WWII out of concern about the future availability of wool for military uniforms. Today, more than a half century later -- when military uniforms are largely composed of synthetic material -- the program still benefits goat herders in Texas, now under the friendly jurisdiction of the Agriculture Committee. The subsidy was seemingly killed in the mid-90s and again in 2001, but it was resuscitated each time by the loving care of special interests. And while it was defunded again last year, the underlying authorizing legislation remains on the books, ready to revive the subsidy at any moment.

The mohair subsidy is one of the most popular programs to bring up.  It can be cut with no major impact on our country, unlike many other government programs.  Cooper goes on to bash on the mandatory spending programs without calling them out by name, such as Medicare, Social Security and veterans benefits.  Sure, wouldn't it be great to whack all those terrible programs.  Call me when you decide to, congressman, I want to watch the calls pour into your office.