National Performance Review and Reinventing Government

The Clinton Administration’s National Performance Review and the Reinventing Government Initiative (1993-2001) was led by Vice President Gore and aimed to make the federal government more efficient, less expensive, and less bureaucratic. The National Performance Review was guided by four main principles: cut government back to basics, put customers first, cut red tape, and empower employees. Under the Clinton Administration, this bipartisan effort eliminated over 16,000 pages of federal regulations, reduced the federal workforce by 375,000 which resulted in the smallest federal workforce since the Kennedy Administration, and brought government spending as a share of GDP to 18.7 percent, its lowest since 1974.

This online exhibit places President Clinton's speech remarks alongside archived images, video, audio, and documents from the Clinton Presidential Library to help tell the story of the National Performance Review and the Reinventing Government Initiative. Although this reform effort lasted until the end of the Clinton Administration, this online exhibit focuses on the period between the program's announcement in March 1993 and the September 1995 publication of Common Sense Government.

During the second term of the Clinton Administration (1997-2001), the National Performance Review was renamed the National Partnership for Reinventing Government and focused on the performance of government agencies. The Clinton Administration's reinventing government initiative concluded in 2001.

President Bill Clinton seated outdoors, writing in a binder. Clinton sits in profile facing right, wearing a gray suit and a patterned red tie. He is focused on a large open binder resting on his lap, holding a pen in his right hand. To his left, a large colorful vertical banner features a star-spangled design and reads "COMMON SENSE GOVERNMENT" in gold lettering, with the subtitle "Works Better & Costs Less.
President Clinton reviews his speech remarks at the National Performance Review event in the White House Rose Garden, September 7, 1995, Photographer: Barbara Kinney.
President Clinton reviews his speech remarks at the National Performance Review event in the White House Rose Garden, September 7, 1995, Photographer: Barbara Kinney.

“Today, I am taking what I hope and believe will be a historic step in reforming the federal government by announcing the formation of a national performance review. Our goal is to make the entire federal government both less expensive and more efficient, and to change the culture of our national bureaucracy away from complacency and entitlement toward initiative and empowerment. We intend to redesign, to reinvent, to reinvigorate the entire national government. Working under the direction of the Vice President for the next six months, we'll conduct an intensive national review of every single government agency and service. We'll enlist citizens and government workers, and leaders from the private sector in a search not only for ways to cut wasteful spending, but also for ways to improve services to our citizens and to make our government work better.”

President Bill Clinton, Remarks Announcing the National Performance Review, March 3, 1993
View video of Remarks Announcing National Performance Review, March 3, 1993
Photocopy of black type on white paper.
Talking Points from the folder titled “Announcement of National Performance Review Initiative 3/3/93 [OA/ID 20654]” are part of 2015-0959-F.
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Talking Points from the folder titled “Announcement of National Performance Review Initiative 3/3/93 [OA/ID 20654]” are part of 2015-0959-F.
President Bill Clinton and Vice President Al Gore meeting with a group of advisors in the Oval Office. Clinton sits in a yellow armchair near the center-right, looking at papers in his lap. To his left, Gore sits in a matching yellow armchair. Several other advisors are seated on cream-colored sofas or standing around the room, including a woman in a bright red blazer with her back to the camera in the foreground.
President Clinton and Vice President Gore participate in a briefing in the Oval Office before the press statement announcing the initiative to streamline government. They are joined by Phil Lader (Deputy Director for Management at Office of Management and Budget), John Sharp (Comptroller of the State of Texas), Members of Congress, and White House Staff, March 3, 1993, Photographer: Bob McNeely.
View in the National Archives Catalog
President Clinton and Vice President Gore participate in a briefing in the Oval Office before the press statement announcing the initiative to streamline government. They are joined by Phil Lader (Deputy Director for Management at Office of Management and Budget), John Sharp (Comptroller of the State of Texas), Members of Congress, and White House Staff, March 3, 1993, Photographer: Bob McNeely.
The speaker stands at the far right of the stage behind a dark wooden podium bearing the Seal of the President of the United States, reading from notes into a microphone. Behind him, a line of six officials stands watching. In the lineup, Al Gore is visible near the center wearing a light gray suit, and Bill Clinton stands further to the left in a dark suit with a patterned tie. Two women are also in the line—one in a dark brown skirt suit and another in a bright red blazer with a black skirt.
Phil Lader (Deputy Director for Management at Office of Management and Budget) speaks in the Old Executive Office Building at the press announcement on the initiative to streamline government. Other participants include President Clinton, Vice President Gore, John Sharp (Comptroller of the State of Texas) and Members of Congress, March 3, 1993, Photographer: Bob McNeely.
View in the National Archives Catalog
Phil Lader (Deputy Director for Management at Office of Management and Budget) speaks in the Old Executive Office Building at the press announcement on the initiative to streamline government. Other participants include President Clinton, Vice President Gore, John Sharp (Comptroller of the State of Texas) and Members of Congress, March 3, 1993, Photographer: Bob McNeely.
President Bill Clinton speaking at a podium, surrounded by a group of male government officials. Clinton stands in the center behind a gray podium bearing the Seal of the President of the United States, looking forward with an open mouth as he speaks. To his right, Vice President Al Gore stands listening in a light gray suit and blue tie. Several other men in suits flank Clinton on both sides, including Joe Lieberman to his left.
President Clinton announces the initiative to streamline government at a press conference in the Old Executive Office Building. Other pictured participants include Vice President Gore and Members of Congress, March 3, 1993, Photographer: Bob McNeely.
View in the National Archives Catalog
President Clinton announces the initiative to streamline government at a press conference in the Old Executive Office Building. Other pictured participants include Vice President Gore and Members of Congress, March 3, 1993, Photographer: Bob McNeely.

“My gratitude is great also to the staff of the National Performance Review and to the employees of the Federal Government and the people in the private sector who helped us to do this and to the Cabinet members who have supported it…That is what the Vice President and this group tried to do, to listen and to learn from people who best understand how to make Government work better. This report reflects the practical experiences of Federal employees whose best efforts have too often been smothered in red tape, business people who have streamlined their own companies, State and local officials who are reinventing government at the grassroots, and concerned citizens who deserve and demand more value for their tax dollars.”

President Clinton, Remarks Announcing the Report of the National Performance Review and an Exchange With Reporters, September 7, 1993
View video of Remarks at the Announcement on the Reinventing Government Policy (REGO) on the South Lawn, September 7, 1993
Book cover. The cover features a white background framed by a thick red stripe on the left margin. The main text is written in large, stylized fonts with a mix of black and dark red lettering. In the background, a large, faint blue watermark of the official seal of the Vice President of the United States is visible. At the bottom, a solid blue horizontal bar sits above the subtitle text, which reads "Report of the National Performance Review" in red, followed by "Vice President Al Gore" in white text...
This copy of the September 1993 report titled “From Red Tape to Results : Creating a Government that Works Better & Costs Less” is part of 2015-0922-S.
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This copy of the September 1993 report titled “From Red Tape to Results : Creating a Government that Works Better & Costs Less” is part of 2015-0922-S.
Photocopy of black type on white paper.
Vice President Gore’s draft remarks from the folder titled “Reinventing Government 9/7/93 [OA/ID 3334] “ are part of 2016-0599-S.
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Vice President Gore’s draft remarks from the folder titled “Reinventing Government 9/7/93 [OA/ID 3334] “ are part of 2016-0599-S.
President Bill Clinton and Vice President Al Gore reviewing a massive stack of government documents outdoors on the White House lawn. Gore stands on the right in a dark suit, holding open a large white binder and gesturing with his right hand as he explains something. Clinton stands to his left in a gray suit, looking down intently at the open binder. Behind them, massive stacks of white papers and books are piled high on wooden pallets, towering over the two leaders. A large yellow CASE 586E forklift...
During the event announcing the findings of the National Performance Review, President Clinton and Vice President Gore look over the federal government’s paperwork and requirements on the South Lawn of the White House, September 7, 1993, Photographer: Bob McNeely.
During the event announcing the findings of the National Performance Review, President Clinton and Vice President Gore look over the federal government’s paperwork and requirements on the South Lawn of the White House, September 7, 1993, Photographer: Bob McNeely.
President Bill Clinton and Vice President Al Gore posing together outdoors in front of a massive stack of government documents. Clinton stands on the left in a gray suit and a patterned silver tie, looking forward with his hands clasped together in front of him. Gore stands to his right in a dark blue suit and a red and green striped tie, holding a book with a red and white cover while looking directly at the camera. Behind them, towering stacks of white and yellow papers are piled high on wooden pallets.
Vice President Gore holds the report of the National Performance Review while standing with President Clinton in front of forklifts holding government documents and regulations on the South Lawn of the White House, September 7, 1993, Photographer: Bob McNeely.
Vice President Gore holds the report of the National Performance Review while standing with President Clinton in front of forklifts holding government documents and regulations on the South Lawn of the White House, September 7, 1993, Photographer: Bob McNeely.
President Bill Clinton and Vice President Al Gore standing on the White House South Lawn next to a podium and a large forklift loaded with papers. Clinton stands on the left in a gray suit, holding a book with a red and white cover and smiling toward Gore. Gore stands to his right in a dark suit next to a wooden microphone podium, looking back at Clinton. To the left, a large yellow forklift holds a wooden pallet piled high with massive stacks of white papers, books, and binders.
Vice President Gore hands President Clinton the report of the National Performance Review titled “Creating Government that Works Better & Costs Less” during an announcement on the South Lawn of the White House, September 7, 1993, Photographer: Sharon Farmer.
Vice President Gore hands President Clinton the report of the National Performance Review titled “Creating Government that Works Better & Costs Less” during an announcement on the South Lawn of the White House, September 7, 1993, Photographer: Sharon Farmer.

“We spend too much time in Government, in my judgment, trying to keep bad things from happening with rules and regulations that eventually prohibit sensible public employees from making good things happen…We want to modernize this system so that you can take advantage of the best products, the best technology, the best pricing.”

President Clinton, Remarks to General Services Administration Employees in Franconia, Virginia, September 8, 1993
View video of Remarks to General Service Administration Employees in Franconia, Virginia, September 8, 1993
Photocopy of a speech card. Black type on white paper.
President Clinton’s speech cards for the 9/8/1993 reinventing government event are part of the White House Subject Files.
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President Clinton’s speech cards for the 9/8/1993 reinventing government event are part of the White House Subject Files.
President Bill Clinton, and an unidentified official standing around a wooden table piled with documents, in front of a massive wall of boxed paper. Gore stands on the far left in a dark suit, holding a microphone in his right hand and looking toward Clinton. Clinton stands in the center wearing a dark suit with a patterned colorful tie, holding a microphone in his left hand while using his right hand to lift a page from a thick stack of papers resting on the table. The third official stands on the right...
Vice President Gore, President Clinton, and Roger Johnson of the General Services Administration (GSA) speak on reducing paperwork at a GSA warehouse in Franconia, Virginia, September 8, 1993, Photographer: Sharon Farmer.
Vice President Gore, President Clinton, and Roger Johnson of the General Services Administration (GSA) speak on reducing paperwork at a GSA warehouse in Franconia, Virginia, September 8, 1993, Photographer: Sharon Farmer.
Vice President Al Gore, President Bill Clinton, and another official standing around a wooden table in a warehouse setting. Gore stands on the left in a dark suit, holding a microphone in his left hand and pointing with his right hand toward items on the table. Clinton stands in the center in a dark suit with a patterned tie, looking down at the table. The third official stands on the right in a pinstripe suit with his hands behind his back, also observing the table. On the table, there is a small stack...
Vice President Gore speaks about regulations on the government purchase of insect repellant alongside President Clinton and Roger Johnson of the General Services Administration (GSA) at a GSA warehouse in Franconia, Virginia, September 8, 1993, Photographer: Sharon Farmer.
Vice President Gore speaks about regulations on the government purchase of insect repellant alongside President Clinton and Roger Johnson of the General Services Administration (GSA) at a GSA warehouse in Franconia, Virginia, September 8, 1993, Photographer: Sharon Farmer.
Vice President Al Gore, President Bill Clinton, and an official walking side-by-side through a large supply warehouse. Gore walks on the left in a dark suit and bright red tie. Clinton walks in the center wearing a dark suit and a patterned tie, looking toward the official on the right while smiling. The third official walks on the right in a dark double-breasted suit, looking slightly downward. They are walking down a wide aisle lined on both sides with tall, blue metal storage racks filled with stacked...
Vice President Gore and President Clinton tour a General Services Administration (GSA) warehouse in Franconia, Virginia, with GSA Administrator Roger Johnson during a reinventing government event, September 8, 1993, Photographer: Sharon Farmer.
Vice President Gore and President Clinton tour a General Services Administration (GSA) warehouse in Franconia, Virginia, with GSA Administrator Roger Johnson during a reinventing government event, September 8, 1993, Photographer: Sharon Farmer.

“But this country has a big trust deficit in the National Government. And that is a huge problem, because we’re living in a time of profound change, and the American people absolutely cannot meet the challenges of the future unless the National Government can take initiative, can be partners with the private sector and partners with State and local government…”

President Clinton, Remarks and a Question-and-Answer Session on the National Performance Review in Houston, Texas, September 11, 1993
View video of Remarks and a Question-and-Answer Session on the National Performance Review in Houston, Texas, September 11, 1993
View archived webpage on "Retrieving the National Performance Review Documents”
Black type on white paper.
Vice President Gore’s talking points from the folder titled “Texas ReGo [Reinventing Government] Event 9/11/93 [OA/ID 3334]” are part of 2016-0599-S.
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Vice President Gore’s talking points from the folder titled “Texas ReGo [Reinventing Government] Event 9/11/93 [OA/ID 3334]” are part of 2016-0599-S.
Texas Governor Ann Richards speaking at a wooden podium in a warehouse setting, while President Bill Clinton, Vice President Al Gore, and several other men stand listening behind her. Richards stands near the center behind the podium, looking to the right. She has distinctive white hair and wears a coral-colored blazer over a patterned blouse and a black skirt. To the left, Clinton stands with his hand in his pocket wearing a dark blue sport coat over a green button-down shirt and light pants...
Texas Governor Ann Richards speaks at a town hall on the National Performance Review at the Texas Surplus Property Agency Building in Houston, Texas. Also pictured are President Clinton, Vice President Gore, Texas Comptroller John Sharp, and Mayor Bob Lanier, September 11, 1993, Photographer: Barabara Kinney.
View in the National Archives Catalog
Texas Governor Ann Richards speaks at a town hall on the National Performance Review at the Texas Surplus Property Agency Building in Houston, Texas. Also pictured are President Clinton, Vice President Gore, Texas Comptroller John Sharp, and Mayor Bob Lanier, September 11, 1993, Photographer: Barabara Kinney.
President Bill Clinton signing documents at a wooden table in a warehouse setting while Vice President Al Gore speaks into a microphone beside him. Clinton is seated on the left in profile, wearing a light green short-sleeved button-down shirt. He is looking down intently, holding a pen in his right hand as he signs a document inside a folder on the table. Gore stands leaning over the table next to him, wearing a white button-down shirt with rolled-up sleeves and dark trousers. He holds a microphone in...
President Clinton signs executive orders and memorandum with Vice President Gore by his side at the National Performance Review event in the Texas Surplus Property Agency Building in Houston, Texas. This guidance directed federal agencies to eliminate internal regulations, set customer service standards, and streamline bureaucracy, September 11, 1993, Photographer: Barabara Kinney.
View in the National Archives Catalog
President Clinton signs executive orders and memorandum with Vice President Gore by his side at the National Performance Review event in the Texas Surplus Property Agency Building in Houston, Texas. This guidance directed federal agencies to eliminate internal regulations, set customer service standards, and streamline bureaucracy, September 11, 1993, Photographer: Barabara Kinney.
President Bill Clinton and Vice President Al Gore speaking during a town-hall-style presentation in a warehouse setting. Clinton sits in the foreground on the left, shown from the waist up in a side profile. He wears a light green short-sleeved button-down shirt and light-colored pants. He holds a microphone in his right hand close to his mouth and looks off-camera to the right with a smile. Gore stands behind him and to the right in a soft-focused background, wearing a white button-down shirt with...
President Clinton and Vice President Gore speak together at the National Performance Review event in the Texas Surplus Property Agency Building in Houston, Texas, September 11, 1993, Photographer: Barabara Kinney.
View in the National Archives Catalog
President Clinton and Vice President Gore speak together at the National Performance Review event in the Texas Surplus Property Agency Building in Houston, Texas, September 11, 1993, Photographer: Barabara Kinney.

“At a time when all businesses are looking for better suppliers and lower prices, the government is too often losing suppliers and actually paying higher prices by putting up so many costly hurdles and requirements in our procurement system. Procurement waste is costing the taxpayers tens of billions of dollars and it has to stop. We must fundamentally reform this system, saving billions of dollars and using that money in ways that meet the basic needs of the American people.”

President Clinton, Statement on Federal Procurement Reforms, October 26, 1993
View video of Remarks Announcing Federal Procurement Reforms and Spending Cut Proposals (Reinventing Government) at the Old Executive Office Building, October 26, 1993
Photocopy, Black ink on white paper.
Vice President Gore’s remarks from the folder titled “ReGo [Reinventing Government] / Procurement 10/26/93 [OA/ID 3336]” are part of 2016-0599-S.
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Vice President Gore’s remarks from the folder titled “ReGo [Reinventing Government] / Procurement 10/26/93 [OA/ID 3336]” are part of 2016-0599-S.
Vice President Al Gore speaking at a podium while President Bill Clinton and three other officials stand watching on stage. Gore stands on the far left behind a large blue and wooden podium bearing the Seal of the Vice President of the United States, speaking into a microphone. Standing to his right in a line are a military officer in a dark blue uniform, a civilian official in a dark double-breasted suit, an older gentleman in a dark suit with a red tie, and President Bill Clinton on the far right in...
Vice President Gore speaks at a reinventing government event in the Old Executive Office Building. Also pictured are Lieutenant Colonel Brad Orton, Senator John Conyers, Senator John Glenn, and President Clinton, October 26, 1993, Photographer: Ralph Alswang.
View in the National Archives Catalog
Vice President Gore speaks at a reinventing government event in the Old Executive Office Building. Also pictured are Lieutenant Colonel Brad Orton, Senator John Conyers, Senator John Glenn, and President Clinton, October 26, 1993, Photographer: Ralph Alswang.
President Bill Clinton signing a document at a wooden desk while Vice President Al Gore and three other officials look on. Clinton is seated in the foreground on the right, leaning over the desk and holding a pen as he signs a paper. Gore stands directly behind him, leaning in slightly to watch the signing. To the left, three other men stand in a row watching: an older gentleman in a dark suit with a red tie, a man in a dark double-breasted suit holding a rolled-up paper, and a military officer...
President Clinton signs a memorandum to streamline procurement through electronic commerce at a reinventing government event in the Old Executive Office Building. Also pictured are Lieutenant Colonel Brad Orton, Senator John Conyers, Senator John Glenn, and Vice President Gore, October 26, 1993, Photographer: Ralph Alswang.
View in the National Archives Catalog
President Clinton signs a memorandum to streamline procurement through electronic commerce at a reinventing government event in the Old Executive Office Building. Also pictured are Lieutenant Colonel Brad Orton, Senator John Conyers, Senator John Glenn, and Vice President Gore, October 26, 1993, Photographer: Ralph Alswang.
Military officer in blue uniform speaking at a podium while Vice President Al Gore, President Bill Clinton, and two other officials stand watching on stage. The military officer stands on the far left behind a large blue and wooden podium bearing the Seal of the Vice President of the United States, addressing the room into a microphone. Standing to his right in a line are Al Gore holding a white folder, a civilian official in a dark double-breasted suit holding a rolled-up paper, an older gentleman in...
Lieutenant Colonel Brad Orton speaks on procurement problems at a reinventing government event in the Old Executive Office Building. Also pictured are Vice President Gore, Senator John Conyers, Senator John Glenn, and President Clinton, October 26, 1993, Photographer: Ralph Alswang.
View in the National Archives Catalog
Lieutenant Colonel Brad Orton speaks on procurement problems at a reinventing government event in the Old Executive Office Building. Also pictured are Vice President Gore, Senator John Conyers, Senator John Glenn, and President Clinton, October 26, 1993, Photographer: Ralph Alswang.

“I'm pleased that throughout the government people are asking themselves how they can meet the challenges in the report -- put customers first, cut red tape, empower employees to provide better services at lower cost…For me, reinventing government is succeeding when individual public employees get the message and decide that they can do it, and take the initiative…”

President Clinton, Statement on the National Performance Review, March 3, 1994
Listen to audio recording of President Clinton's Remarks on the National Performance Review and an Exchange with Reporters, March 3, 1994
Photocopy. Black ink on white paper.
This summary of the performance agreements mentioned in President Clinton’s remarks is from the folder titled “ReGo [Reinventing Government] Event 3/3/94 [Folder 1] [OA/ID 5674]” and is part of 2016-0599-S.
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This summary of the performance agreements mentioned in President Clinton’s remarks is from the folder titled “ReGo [Reinventing Government] Event 3/3/94 [Folder 1] [OA/ID 5674]” and is part of 2016-0599-S.
Vice President Al Gore shaking hands with an unidentified man in a suit in front of a white presentation board. Gore stands on the right behind a small wooden microphone podium, wearing a dark suit and a pink tie as he smiles and reaches out to shake hands. The other man, wearing glasses and a dark suit, leans forward from the left to complete the handshake. Between them, a large white board sits on a wooden easel. The board features a complex flowchart diagram and is titled "BUILDING A FISH LADDER" with...
Roger Patterson (Bureau of Reclamation) shakes hands with Vice President Gore at a reinventing government event in the White House’s Roosevelt Room. Patterson spoke on fish ladders and government bureaucracy, March 3, 1994, Photographer: Sharon Farmer.
Roger Patterson (Bureau of Reclamation) shakes hands with Vice President Gore at a reinventing government event in the White House’s Roosevelt Room. Patterson spoke on fish ladders and government bureaucracy, March 3, 1994, Photographer: Sharon Farmer.
A woman speaking at a wooden podium and holding up a manual, while President Bill Clinton and Vice President Al Gore look on approvingly. The woman stands on the left behind the podium with two microphones, wearing a cream-colored turtleneck and light-colored pants. She holds up a thin white binder with a blue border that reads "Field Office Reference Manual (DRAFT)." To her right, Clinton stands in a dark suit with a patterned tie, smiling at the manual. Next to him, Gore stands in a pinstripe suit...
Joan Hyatt (Occupational Safety and Health Administration Inspector) presents a streamlined field manual at a reinventing government event in the White House’s Roosevelt Room. Also pictured are President Clinton and Vice President Gore, March 3, 1994, Photographer: Sharon Farmer.
Joan Hyatt (Occupational Safety and Health Administration Inspector) presents a streamlined field manual at a reinventing government event in the White House’s Roosevelt Room. Also pictured are President Clinton and Vice President Gore, March 3, 1994, Photographer: Sharon Farmer.
Vice President Al Gore speaking at a wooden podium while President Bill Clinton looks down at two large stacks of paper tied with red tape. Clinton stands on the right side of the image in a dark suit, looking down with a smile at a wooden table in front of him. On the table sit two thick, heavy stacks of white paper, each tightly bound with bright red tape. In the background on the left, Gore stands behind a wooden microphone podium, looking down at some papers he is holding in his hands.
Vice President Gore speaks at a reinventing government event in the White House’s Roosevelt Room. President Clinton looks at stacks of government documents with red tape, March 3, 1994, Photographer: Ralph Alswang.
Vice President Gore speaks at a reinventing government event in the White House’s Roosevelt Room. President Clinton looks at stacks of government documents with red tape, March 3, 1994, Photographer: Ralph Alswang.

“I want to thank Dr. Mendoza, Mr. Torno, Ms. Holstein for traveling here to tell your stories. For all the facts and figures and charts about the success of Reinventing Government, the thing that really counts is that the benefits are being felt the way they ought to be by the American people -- in a very personal and immediate way. And, of course, we hope as a result of this occasion today and the follow-up report, that the rest of the American people will see that we are changing the way the federal government works.”

President Clinton, Remarks on the Reinventing Government Initiative, September 14, 1994
Listen to audio recording of President Clinton's Remarks on Reinventing Government Initiative, September 14, 1994
Black type on white paper
This list of “satisfied customers” is from the folder titled “Reinventing Government 9/14/94 [OA/ID 5678]” and is part of 2016-0599-S.
This list of “satisfied customers” is from the folder titled “Reinventing Government 9/14/94 [OA/ID 5678]” and is part of 2016-0599-S.
Five government officials gathered on an outdoor stage on the White House South Lawn, with one official speaking at a central podium.The speaker stands in the center behind a wooden microphone podium, wearing a dark suit and patterned red tie while addressing the audience. To his left, a woman stands wearing a black and white patterned jacket and skirt with a white pearl necklace. Next to her, President Bill Clinton sits in a gold-framed chair, wearing a gray suit and green tie while listening.
Emilio Mendoza (President/CEO, Galactic Technologies, Inc.) speaks on reinventing government initiatives that benefit American business at an event on the South Lawn of the White House. Also pictured are Alameda Holstein (California disaster victim), President Clinton, Vice President Gore, and Art Torno (Managing Director for American Airlines), September 14, 1994, Photographer: Sharon Farmer.
Emilio Mendoza (President/CEO, Galactic Technologies, Inc.) speaks on reinventing government initiatives that benefit American business at an event on the South Lawn of the White House. Also pictured are Alameda Holstein (California disaster victim), President Clinton, Vice President Gore, and Art Torno (Managing Director for American Airlines), September 14, 1994, Photographer: Sharon Farmer.
President Bill Clinton and Vice President Al Gore cutting a red ribbon during an outdoor event on the White House South Lawn. Clinton stands on the left in a tan suit and a green patterned tie, looking down as he uses a pair of scissors to cut a wide red ribbon. Gore stands slightly behind him and to the right in a dark suit and a solid red tie, smiling broadly as he watches.
President Clinton cuts red tape at a reinventing government event on the South Lawn of the White House, while standing next to Vice President Gore, September 14, 1994, Photographer: Sharon Farmer.
President Clinton cuts red tape at a reinventing government event on the South Lawn of the White House, while standing next to Vice President Gore, September 14, 1994, Photographer: Sharon Farmer.
President Bill Clinton and Vice President Al Gore stand outside on the White House lawn next to a large canvas laundry cart overflowing with a massive pile of bright red tape. Gore smiles as he holds up a long strand of the red ribbon, symbolizing the cutting of government "red tape." Both men are dressed in formal business suits.
Vice President Gore holds a bundle of cut red tape while standing next to President Clinton at the reinventing government event on the South Lawn of the White House, September 14, 1994, Photographer: Sharon Farmer.
Vice President Gore holds a bundle of cut red tape while standing next to President Clinton at the reinventing government event on the South Lawn of the White House, September 14, 1994, Photographer: Sharon Farmer.

“We do want to get rid of yesterday’s Government so we can meet the demands of this new time. We do want results, not rules. We want leaner Government, not meaner Government. At a time when I have said our obligation should be to create more opportunity and also to provide more responsibility, our responsibility here is to expand opportunity, empower people to make the most of their own lives, enhance security, and to do it all while we are shrinking the Federal bureaucracy, to give the people a Government as effective as our finest private companies, to give our taxpayers their money’s worth.”

President Clinton, Remarks on Regulatory Reform, February 21, 1995
Listen to audio recording of President Clinton's Remarks on Regulatory Reform, February 21, 1995
Black type on white paper, with heavy black handwritten notes.
President Clinton’s annotated draft speech remarks for the 2/21/1995 reinventing government event are part of the White House Subject Files.
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President Clinton’s annotated draft speech remarks for the 2/21/1995 reinventing government event are part of the White House Subject Files.
Photograph shows Vice President Al Gore speaking at a podium during a National Performance Review presentation. Gore stands in the center-left of the image behind a wooden podium bearing the Seal of the President of the United States, gesturing with his right hand as he addresses an audience. To his left, President Bill Clinton stands listening with his hands clasped in front of him. Behind them hangs a blue curtain backdrop flanked by the American flag on the left and the Vice Presidential flag...
Vice President Gore speaks on reforming federal regulations alongside President Clinton at a National Performance Review event in the Old Executive Office Building, February 21, 1995, Photographer: Bob McNeely.
Vice President Gore speaks on reforming federal regulations alongside President Clinton at a National Performance Review event in the Old Executive Office Building, February 21, 1995, Photographer: Bob McNeely.
An official photograph shows President Bill Clinton speaking at a podium during a presentation, with Vice President Al Gore standing to his right. Clinton stands in the center-left behind a wooden podium bearing the Seal of the President of the United States, gesturing broadly with both hands as he speaks. Gore stands listening with a neutral expression. Behind them hangs a blue curtain backdrop flanked by the American flag on the left and the Presidential flag on the right...
President Clinton, standing with Vice President Gore, speaks on reducing regulation and increasing public protections at a National Performance Review event in the Old Executive Office Building, February 21, 1995, Photographer: Bob McNeely.
President Clinton, standing with Vice President Gore, speaks on reducing regulation and increasing public protections at a National Performance Review event in the Old Executive Office Building, February 21, 1995, Photographer: Bob McNeely.
President Bill Clinton speaking at a podium while Vice President Al Gore claps behind him. Clinton sits or stands in the center-right behind a presidential podium, looking toward the side as he speaks. Behind him and to the left, Gore smiles and claps his hands in approval. A blue curtain hangs in the background, with an American flag topped by a golden eagle finial visible on the right. The blurred heads of audience members appear in the foreground, framing the two leaders.
Vice President Gore and President Clinton as seen from the viewpoint of the crowd at a National Performance Review event in the Old Executive Office Building, February 21, 1995, Photographer: Bob McNeely.
Vice President Gore and President Clinton as seen from the viewpoint of the crowd at a National Performance Review event in the Old Executive Office Building, February 21, 1995, Photographer: Bob McNeely.

“Today, we’re announcing basically two sets of changes: First of all, some Government-wide regulatory reforms that will cut back on paperwork and trust honest business people as partners, not adversaries and, second, significant reforms in the way we protect the environment and the way we assure safe and high quality drugs and medical devices. The philosophy that guided these changes is pretty simple: Protect people, not bureaucracy; promote results, not rules; get action, not rhetoric.”

President Clinton, Remarks on Regulatory Reform in Arlington, Virginia, March 16, 1995
Listen to audio recording of President Clinton's Remarks on Regulatory Reform in Arlington, Virginia, March 16, 1995
Photocopy black print on white paper
President Clinton’s copy of the report titled “Reinventing Environmental Regulations” from the 3/16/1995 reinventing government event is part of the White House Subject Files.
President Clinton’s copy of the report titled “Reinventing Environmental Regulations” from the 3/16/1995 reinventing government event is part of the White House Subject Files.
President Bill Clinton and Vice President Al Gore stand outdoors, surrounded by a crowd of people gathered next to a large white delivery truck. The side of the truck features large blue text that reads "CUSTOM PRINTING." Clinton, wearing a brown suit and tie, interacts with the crowd and holds a piece of paper, while Gore, in a dark suit and red tie, stands smiling in the foreground. Diverse onlookers, a parking lot, and buildings are visible in the background.
President Clinton and Vice President Gore greet a crowd in front of Custom Print, Inc. during a reinventing government event in Arlington, Virginia, March 16, 1995, Photographer: Ralph Alswang.
President Clinton and Vice President Gore greet a crowd in front of Custom Print, Inc. during a reinventing government event in Arlington, Virginia, March 16, 1995, Photographer: Ralph Alswang.
President Bill Clinton and Vice President Al Gore stand together on a stage during an event indoors. Gore stands behind a wooden podium, smiling as he holds up a large white poster. The poster features a photograph of the two leaders and large text reading "PRESIDENT CLINTON AND VICE PRESIDENT GORE COMMON SENSE REGULATORY REFORM," with the EPA logo visible at the bottom. Clinton stands to the right, looking down at the sign. Another man in a dark suit stands to the left of the podium, and an audience...
Vice President Gore and President Clinton hold a sign on “Common Sense Regulatory Reform” while standing next to Stu McMichael, owner of Custom Print, Inc. during a reinventing government event in Arlington, Virginia, March 16, 1995, Photographer: Ralph Alswang.
Vice President Gore and President Clinton hold a sign on “Common Sense Regulatory Reform” while standing next to Stu McMichael, owner of Custom Print, Inc. during a reinventing government event in Arlington, Virginia, March 16, 1995, Photographer: Ralph Alswang.
President Bill Clinton and Vice President Al Gore stand on a stage indoors, laughing alongside a man standing at a wooden podium. Gore is on the left in a dark suit with a red tie, while Clinton is on the right in a light brown suit with his hands clasped in front of him. The man at the podium wears a dark suit and looks out toward the audience. In the background, several onlookers, including a worker in a light blue short-sleeved uniform shirt, watch the stage.
Stu McMichael, owner of Custom Print, Inc. speaks while standing next to Vice President Gore and President Clinton during a reinventing government event in Arlington, Virginia, March 16, 1995, Photographer: Ralph Alswang.
Stu McMichael, owner of Custom Print, Inc. speaks while standing next to Vice President Gore and President Clinton during a reinventing government event in Arlington, Virginia, March 16, 1995, Photographer: Ralph Alswang.

“You can reinvent Government, cut costs to the taxpayers without a mean spirit or a meat ax. We can do this in a way that brings the American people together instead of divides them. We can do this in a way that lifts the incomes and the job prospects of the American people instead of diminishes them. We can do it in a way that is humane and decent to our Federal employees, too.”

President Clinton, Remarks on the National Performance Review, March 27, 1995
Listen to audio recording of President Clinton's Remarks on the National Performance Review, March 27, 1995
Photocopy of the President's schedule. Black type on white paper.
This schedule for the 3/27/1995 reinventing government event is part of President Clinton’s Daily Schedule Collection.
View President Clinton's full schedule
This schedule for the 3/27/1995 reinventing government event is part of President Clinton’s Daily Schedule Collection.
President Bill Clinton speaks from a wooden podium featuring the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) seal and the text "FCC AUCTIONS." He is addressing an audience indoors in front of a large blue curtain. Above him, a prominent sign reads "REINVENTING GOVERNMENT WITH COMMON SENSE." Vice President Al Gore sits to the right of the podium, smiling alongside other seated officials in business suits. An audience is visible in the foreground, viewed from behind.
President Clinton stands under a sign labeled “Reinventing Government with Common Sense” while speaking at the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) at the Old Post Office in Washington, D.C. Also pictured are Vice President Gore and FCC Chair Reed Hundt, March 27, 1995, Photographer: Ralph Alswang.
President Clinton stands under a sign labeled “Reinventing Government with Common Sense” while speaking at the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) at the Old Post Office in Washington, D.C. Also pictured are Vice President Gore and FCC Chair Reed Hundt, March 27, 1995, Photographer: Ralph Alswang.
Vice President Al Gore, President Bill Clinton, and another official stand side-by-side while smiling and holding a massive, ceremonial novelty check. The check is dated March 27, 1995, and is made out to "The American Taxpayer" for the amount of $7,736,020,384, with "Personal Communications Services Industry" written on the memo line. Behind them on the dark wall is a large circular seal for the Federal Communications Commission.
Reed Hundt (Chairman, Federal Communications Commission) presents Vice President Gore and President Clinton with a check addressed to “The American Taxpayer” during a National Performance Review event at the Old Post Office in Washington, D.C. March 27, 1995, Photographer: Ralph Alswang.
Reed Hundt (Chairman, Federal Communications Commission) presents Vice President Gore and President Clinton with a check addressed to “The American Taxpayer” during a National Performance Review event at the Old Post Office in Washington, D.C. March 27, 1995, Photographer: Ralph Alswang.
President Bill Clinton stands in an office hallway, pointing at a large 3D bar chart sitting on a golden easel. Vice President Al Gore stands next to him, watching intently. The chart is labeled "FCC Auctions" at the top and compares a small red block representing the "FCC Total Budget 1994" to a massive, colorful column representing the billions of dollars raised by various FCC spectrum auctions. Clinton holds a small stack of papers in his other hand.
President Clinton points to a graph on Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Auctions during a National Performance Review event at the Old Post Office in Washington, D.C. March 27, 1995, Photographer: Ralph Alswang.
President Clinton points to a graph on Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Auctions during a National Performance Review event at the Old Post Office in Washington, D.C. March 27, 1995, Photographer: Ralph Alswang.

“Today we are announcing a plan that should lead to the elimination of the need to file W–2 forms in multiple places. You will only need to file once, and you will have a single point of contact for customer service. This will save time and hassle and about a billion dollars a year…When we free people from the burden of paperwork so that they can create jobs, opportunity, services, and products for the American people, we have saved much more than that…This is the kind of service the American people are entitled to expect from a modernized tax system, and frankly, this is the kind of thing we’re going to have to do to get the inordinate compliance costs with taxation systems in America down. This is what reinventing Government is all about.”

President Clinton, Remarks on the National Performance Review, June 9, 1995
View video of Remarks on the National Performance Review, June 9, 1995
Photocopy. A black-and-white cartoon illustration criticizing the complexity of tax systems. At the top, bold text reads: "Seamless" Tax Administration Means Changing Our Tax Administration Paradigms... In the center, an angry, multi-armed figure resembling a bureaucrat or tax collector is shown in mid-air, aggressively juggling or throwing various tax documents. The figure has sharp, geometric features, an open mouth showing teeth, and a dark suit. The arms hold papers labeled "State", "IRS", "Regs"...
This cartoon of a frustrated taxpayer is part of Terry Edmond’s Speechwriting files in the National Archives Catalog.
View in the National Archives Catalog
This cartoon of a frustrated taxpayer is part of Terry Edmond’s Speechwriting files in the National Archives Catalog.
President Bill Clinton stands outdoors on concrete steps, speaking face-to-face with a man wearing a pinstripe suit. Clinton holds one hand up to his chin as if listening or thinking deeply. In the background directly between them is a large historical bell resembling the Liberty Bell, mounted on a dark wooden frame. Another man in a dark suit is partially visible on the right side of the frame.
Treasury Secretary Robert Rubin and President Clinton near a replica Liberty Bell at the Treasury Department during a National Performance Review event, June 9, 1995, Photographer: Ralph Alswang.
Treasury Secretary Robert Rubin and President Clinton near a replica Liberty Bell at the Treasury Department during a National Performance Review event, June 9, 1995, Photographer: Ralph Alswang.
President Bill Clinton and Vice President Al Gore stand inside a well-lit office, laughing during a conversation with a man and a woman. Clinton stands in the center holding a pen and papers, including a folder that reads "PRESIDENTIAL STATEMENT." Gore stands on the right with his hands clasped, smiling. On the left, a woman in a bright blue and green polka-dot jacket and a man in a dark suit smile back at them. The American flag and other flags stand in the background.
Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Commissioner Margaret Richardson and Paul Condit (President and General Manager, Texas Equipment Co., Inc) gather with President Clinton and Vice President Gore during a National Performance Review event, June 9, 1995, Photographer: Ralph Alswang.
Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Commissioner Margaret Richardson and Paul Condit (President and General Manager, Texas Equipment Co., Inc) gather with President Clinton and Vice President Gore during a National Performance Review event, June 9, 1995, Photographer: Ralph Alswang.
A group of officials gathers indoors around a wooden desk where a woman in a bright blue jacket is seated, signing a document. President Bill Clinton and Vice President Al Gore stand behind her, looking down at the paper. Several other individuals, including a man at a podium on the far left, look on solemnly. Multiple American flags stand in the background against a marble pillar and decorative glass doors.
IRS Commissioner Margaret Richardson signs a Memorandum of Understanding aimed to modernize the tax system at the National Performance Review event. Others pictured in the Cash Room at the Treasury Department include Treasury Secretary Robert Rubin, Social Security Administration (SSA) Commissioner Shirley Chater, Paul Condit (President and General Manager, Texas Equipment Co., Inc), Vice President Gore, and President Clinton, June 9, 1995, Photographer: Ralph Alswang.
IRS Commissioner Margaret Richardson signs a Memorandum of Understanding aimed to modernize the tax system at the National Performance Review event. Others pictured in the Cash Room at the Treasury Department include Treasury Secretary Robert Rubin, Social Security Administration (SSA) Commissioner Shirley Chater, Paul Condit (President and General Manager, Texas Equipment Co., Inc), Vice President Gore, and President Clinton, June 9, 1995, Photographer: Ralph Alswang.

“The sacrifice of all these people in Government to promote this reinventing Government project must not be in vain. We must take the money that is left and spend it properly…one of the reasons we’re doing this is to make sure that the money left can advance the cause of America’s economic interest and the basic values of the American people to give every citizen the chance to live up to his or her God-given capacity, to keep the American dream alive, and to give us a chance to come together in a prosperous, secure, and exciting future.”

President Clinton, Remarks on the National Performance Review, September 7, 1995
View video of Remarks on the National Performance Review, September 7, 1995
A book cover with a heavily pixelated, red, white, and blue background resembling a stylized American flag.
This copy of the September 1995 report titled “Common Sense Government : Works Better & Costs Less” is part of David Tseng’s National Economic Council files [OA/ID 20449].
View the full report
This copy of the September 1995 report titled “Common Sense Government : Works Better & Costs Less” is part of David Tseng’s National Economic Council files [OA/ID 20449].
Photocopy of speech draft. Black type on white paper. Contains handwritten annotaion
President Clinton’s annotated draft speech remarks for the 9/7/1995 reinventing government event are part of the White House Subject Files.
View full document
President Clinton’s annotated draft speech remarks for the 9/7/1995 reinventing government event are part of the White House Subject Files.
President Bill Clinton stands at a blue and brown wooden podium outdoors, speaking into a microphone. He is pictured from the side, wearing a grey suit and looking toward an unseen audience. Behind him, Vice President Al Gore sits in a gold chair on the grass, listening with his hands clasped. To the left, the American flag and the Vice Presidential flag stand next to a large blue sign titled "America's Choice," which lists bullet points about government spending and programs. A white gazebo and lush...
President Clinton gives remarks at a National Performance Review event in the White House Rose Garden. Also pictured is Vice President Gore and a sign labeled “America’s Choice” that contrasts cuts in the education budget to cuts in government spending, September 7, 1995, Photographer: Barbara Kinney.
President Clinton gives remarks at a National Performance Review event in the White House Rose Garden. Also pictured is Vice President Gore and a sign labeled “America’s Choice” that contrasts cuts in the education budget to cuts in government spending, September 7, 1995, Photographer: Barbara Kinney.
Vice President Al Gore stands at a blue and brown wooden podium outdoors, speaking into a microphone on a small stage set up on a lawn. He wears a dark suit and is viewed from the side. President Bill Clinton sits nearby in a gold chair, listening intently. Clinton wears a grey suit, a patterned tie, and dark cowboy boots. To the left, the American flag and the Vice Presidential flag stand next to a large poster on an easel. The poster reads "Common Sense Government: Works Better & Costs Less," and...
Vice President Gore speaks at a National Performance Review (NPR) event in the White House Rose Garden. Also pictured is President Clinton and a sign labeled “Common Sense Government: Works Better & Costs Less” promoting the Vice President’s third NPR report, September 7, 1995, Photographer: Barbara Kinney.
Vice President Gore speaks at a National Performance Review (NPR) event in the White House Rose Garden. Also pictured is President Clinton and a sign labeled “Common Sense Government: Works Better & Costs Less” promoting the Vice President’s third NPR report, September 7, 1995, Photographer: Barbara Kinney.
President Bill Clinton and Vice President Al Gore stand together on an outdoor stage during a press event on the White House lawn. Gore stands on the right behind a blue and brown wooden podium bearing the Seal of the President of the United States. He looks toward Clinton while leaning on the podium. Clinton stands to the left in profile, wearing a grey suit and a patterned tie, holding a rolled-up document or folder in his hands. Behind them, the American flag and the Vice Presidential flag stand tall...
Vice President Gore hands President Clinton the third National Performance Review (NPR) report titled “Common Sense Government: Works Better & Costs Less” at a NPR event in the White House Rose Garden, September 7, 1995, Photographer: Barbara Kinney.
Vice President Gore hands President Clinton the third National Performance Review (NPR) report titled “Common Sense Government: Works Better & Costs Less” at a NPR event in the White House Rose Garden, September 7, 1995, Photographer: Barbara Kinney.

National Archives Catalogue (NAC) Searches:

National Performance Review

Reinventing Government

Finding Aids for Digitized Collections from NAC Search Results include:

2006-0458-F -Don Baer (Communications) 

2006-0461-F - Caroyln Curiel (Speechwriting)

2006-0462-F - Terry Edmonds (Speechwriting)

2006-0466-F - Jonathan Prince (Speechwriting)

2006-0469-F (Segment 1) - Michael Waldman (Speechwriting)

2006-0770-F - Ira Magaziner’s Health Care Files

2008-1524-F - Office of Science and Technology Policy

2009-0628-F - Reinventing Government Initiative and the Delivery of Health Services to Veterans

2010-0198-S - Carol Rasco, Issue Papers Series (Domestic Policy Council)

2011-0584-F - Mark Gearan’s correspondence on communication strategy and press strategy

2012-0326-S - Molly Brostrom (Domestic Policy Council)

2012-0741-F - Alexis Herman (Public Liaison)

2012-0769-F (Segment 1) - Kathleen “Katie” McGinty (Office of Environmental Policy)

2012-0948-F - President Clinton's visit to ILC Technology in Sunnyvale, California on September 10, 1993

2013-0661-F (Segment 1) - National Service and Americorps

2013-0661-F (Segment 2) - Sarah Whitman (National Service)

2013-0717-S - Eric Liu (Domestic Policy Council)

2013-0968-S - Michael Schmidt (Domestic Policy Council)

2014-0536-S - Jennifer Klein (First Lady’s Office)

2015-0922-S - Steve Cohen (First Lady's Press Office)

2018-0662-S - John Podesta (Staff Secretary)

2018-0756-F - Kristine Gebbie (National AIDS Policy Office)

2019-0774-S (Segment 2) - Todd Stern (Staff Secretary)

2023-0127-S (Segment 1) - Harold Ickes (Chief of Staff)

2024-0127-S (Segment 2) - Harold Ickes (Chief of Staff)

2024-0267-S - Jennifer O'Connor (Chief of Staff)

Finding Aids for Non-Digitized Collections Containing Folders related to this Exhibit include:

Non-Digitized Collections are made available in the Clinton Library Research Room.

2006-0946-F (Segment 1) - Clinton Administration's Staffing of the White House Travel Office

2006-0946-F (Segment 2) - Clinton Administration's Staffing of the White House Travel Office

2008-0308-F - Affirmative Action

2009-0140-F - Rahm Emanuel, Special Assistant to the President

2015-0959-F - Minyon Moore ( Political Affairs, Public Liaison) 

2016-0599-S - General Files (Speechwriting)

2016-1110-S - Lynn Margherio (Domestic Policy Council)

2017-1133-S - General Files (Communications)

2018-0110-S - Andrea Kane (Domestic Policy Council)

2019-0820-F (Segment 1) - Mark Middleton

2020-0165-S - Leon Panetta (Chief of Staff)

2020-0557-F (Segment 2) -  Howard Paster (Legislative Affairs)

2023-0868-S - Lori Anderson (Press Secretary)

2024-0507-S - Paul Weinstein (Domestic Policy Council)

Butler Center for Arkansas Studies

Governor Clinton's total quality management efforts in Arkansas shaped his work reinventing the federal government as President. Gubernatorial records concerning quality management  (including audio) are available to researchers both online and at the Bill Clinton State Government Project, a part of the Butler Center for Arkansas Studies at the Central Arkansas Library System.