Obama to seek smaller government From Lisa Jensen, CNN January 13, 2012 -- Updated 1311 GMT (2111 HKT) President Obama plans to speak at 11:20 a.m. He wants additional powers to shrink the federal government, an official said One idea involves combining agencies that focus on commerce and trade Washington (CNN) -- President Barack Obama plans to ask Congress for more power to shrink the federal government, a White House official said Friday. Obama plans to speak at 11:20 a.m. about his plans to make the federal government "leaner, smarter and more consumer-friendly," the official said. The president's proposal includes plans to combine several agencies that focus on commerce and trade.