U.S. Rep. Michael Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.) introduced a bill to cut federal travel expenses by 50 percent by using videoconferencing

technology. Describing videoconferencing as a "largely untapped means of saving taxpayer dollars," the proposed Stay in Place, Cut the Waste Act of 2013 follows recent reports of excessive government travel spending. The proposal, which would take effect for fiscal year 2017, would require the director of the Office of Management and Budget to develop plans to "achieve the lesser of a 50 percent reduction in federal agency travel expenses below fiscal year 2013 levels; or the greatest reduction in such expenses the director considers feasible." The bill is co-sponsored by a bipartisan mix of seven representatives.