Congressman Marsha Blackburn (TN-7) and Congressman Mark Walker (NC-6) today introduced legislation that will protect private sector jobs by preventing the Government Publishing Office (GPO) from printing government security credentials. The Preventing Government Printing Overreach Act would ensure the GPO does not compete with the private sector to print government security credentials. American private businesses have printed security credentials for the United States Government for years. These credentials have continually been secure and effective. Now, in an effort to maintain its relevance in an increasingly paperless world, GPO is trying to claim sole authority to print security credentials for the government. GPO should not be competing with the private sector and crowding out businesses that employ thousands of Americans across the country.

"Just as we see in agency after agency, the federal government is once again trying to cut free enterprise out of the government contract process. This is their key to hiring more people, paying more benefits and spending more of the taxpayer dollars. The federal government has never been and will not become a model of efficiency with this type action," Blackburn said.

“The government is too big, costs too much, and can’t compete. In too many cases, it’s simply behind the times. It’s time Washington spend tax dollars wisely and own up when the private sector can do it better. Using the competitive private sector to perform some of the federal government’s basic tasks – like printing – is simply being good stewards for the taxpayers. I’m proud to co-sponsor this legislation to cut this outdated federal program,” Walker said.