The so-called 'super committee' of senators tasked with uncovering potential sources of government budget savings has shifted its focus toward the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, according to IP Watchdog, calling into question the agency's funding levels.

According to the Financial Times, the Congressional committee has been asked to file a report by November 23 detailing strategies to save the country at least $1.2 trillion in public sector spending over the next 10 years. However, progress on the bipartisan initiative has been slow as budget inquiries have been met with protest from a number of government agencies and their advocates.

The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office is one such organization, according to IP Watchdog contributor Gene Quinn.

"This means the patent community has another chance to urge Congress to do the right thing and adequately fund the USPTO," Quinn wrote. "Everyone in the patent community can and should get involved and be heard."

At the center of the issue are plans for the Treasury Department to divert millions of dollars in user fees away from the PTO for use in other areas of government.