"Among the weeds choking out growth and good government are the hundreds of boards, commissions, and advisory committees that have sprouted over the years. They devour time, money, and energy far beyond any real contribution they make"

This quote by Mitch Daniels is describing the inefficiency of federal government bureaucracy. He is recommending that the hundreds of boards, commissions, and advisory committees that have been produced throughout the years resemble weeds that are choking out development and good federal government. He thinks that these committees are taking up excessive time, cash, and energy, and are not making a real contribution to society. He is implying that these committees are a waste of resources and should be gotten rid of in order to make government more effective and reliable.