Oklahoma senator criticizes government mascots
Coburn criticizes government mascots

By The Associated Press

Published: July 14, 2007

TULSA, Okla. - An Oklahoma senator known for targeting what he considers to be inappropriate federal spending is now turning his sights on government mascots.

But Sen. Tom Coburn's new effort apparently has nothing to do with one of nation's best-known symbols -- Smokey Bear.

"Smokey is not a mascot," said Allison Stewart, national press officer for the Forest Service. "Smokey is a fire-prevention bear."

Stewart also pointed out that Smokey, who has been on the job for six decades, was authorized by federal law.

Same is true for Woodsy Owl.

Coburn's subcommittee staff has sent out a questionnaire to every federal agency asking them to compile information on mascots.

"It is not about going after a particular mascot," the Oklahoma Republican said. "It is about the money."

Coburn said he is trying to get a handle on exactly how much the federal government spends each year on mascots and the Web sites that support them.

"On average, it looks like there's (up to) $4 million a year just to maintain (a) Web site, and we have thousands of them," he said. "It is not one or two. There's thousands of them."

Although the senator said he is not targeting any one mascot, Coburn suggested that some might not make the grade.

"Some of them are pretty questionable," he said, questioning why the government should be spending $4 million a year on a mascot when that money could be used to fund insurance for 150 children.

Coburn estimated the government may spend as much as half a billion dollars a year to maintain mascots and their Web sites, adding the costs to develop them may be seven or eight times higher.

At least some of that money goes to private contractors.

"Maybe the federal government ought to develop Web sites rather than have...$400 million spent," the senator said.

Coburn declined to name any specific mascot that concerns him.

Sent out by staff of a financial management subcommittee, where Coburn serves as the top Republican, the questionnaire asks for the history and purpose of the mascot, the number of staff involved, costs of the mascot's upkeep and its travel schedule.

Coburn conceded the results of the survey may not lead to further action.

"When I looked at it, I said, 'This may not be a big deal, guys,'" he said, recalling a conversation he had with his staff.

"I don't know if we will do a report or ask for a hearing."