This is the committee's fourth opportunity to example the challenges and successes of the federal job education system. For several months, we have been working to detect what a 21st century workforce investment system should look like, and identify the responsible reforms necessary to help get us there. As a result, we have gained a greater understanding of the changes that must be undertaken to build a stronger, more competitive workforce. One of the most important things we have learned through these hearings is that the status quo is no longer acceptable. Particularly in times of record debt and persistently high unemployment, we need a system that is efficient and effective. Wasting State and federal resources is a disservice to taxpayers and workers. Earlier this year, the Government Accountability Office identified 47 job programs administered across nine federal agencies at a cost of $18 billion. Forty-four of these programs overlap, serving similar populations. Barely a handful have been reviewed for effectiveness.