Legislators Praise Trump’s Efficiency Framework Amid Meetings with Key Appointees
WASHINGTON, D.C. – In a series of meetings on Capitol Hill that have garnered significant attention, lawmakers have expressed their admiration for President-elect Donald Trump’s new initiative, the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). The meetings included key agency appointees, such as Tesla CEO Elon Musk and former presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy, both of whom have been tasked with leading this ambitious effort to reduce waste and cut costs within the federal government.
New Department Aims to Reduce Government Waste
Since his appointment in November, Trump has enlisted Musk and Ramaswamy as co-leaders of DOGE. This newly created department aims to streamline government operations, targeting inefficiencies and excessive expenditures. The initiative comes at a time when many observers believe there is significant room for improvement in the management of federal resources.
Senators Unveil Cost-Cutting Proposal
During a meeting led by Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, who chairs the Senate’s DOGE Caucus, senators convened on Thursday to unveil an extensive 60-page cost-cutting proposal. Ramaswamy was actively engaged in the discussions, while Musk separately met with the incoming Senate Majority Leader, Sen. John Thune of South Dakota.
Positive Reception from Lawmakers
Following the caucus meeting, Sen. Rick Scott, R-Fla., expressed his approval of Musk and Ramaswamy’s objectives. “I’m very impressed with what Elon and Vivek want to accomplish,” Scott told Fox News Digital. “I can’t talk about what they are going to be proposing, but I’ve known them for a long time, and I think they’re going to do a great job.” This sentiment was echoed by several senators who attended the meeting, with many refraining from disclosing specific cost-cutting measures but agreeing on the productive nature of the discussions.
Collaboration and Unity on Cost Reduction
Senator Ted Budd, R-N.C., highlighted the alignment among senators on the initiative, stating, “We need to make government serve people again.” Budd also emphasized that he believes Musk and Ramaswamy are “the right people for the moment” for tackling government costs. Meanwhile, Sen. Roger Marshall, R-Kan., indicated that DOGE is planning “hundreds of ideas” aimed at achieving a balanced budget, calling the caucus meeting an encouraging conversation.
Setting Realistic Goals
Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C., described the meeting as “just the very beginning of a process” that, if executed correctly, could lead to ongoing conversations about reforming government efficiency. He expressed optimism that Democrats may eventually rally behind the DOGE initiative, suggesting a potential bipartisan effort in this critical area.
Addressing Regulatory Burdens and Telework Issues
Sen. Dan Sullivan, R-Ark., underscored the need to address what he views as “the regulatory burden and litigation abuse” that hampers American progress. Similarly, Sen. Susan Collins of Maine characterized the meeting as productive, indicating a shared commitment to addressing inefficiencies.
Workforce Optimization Proposal
One significant proposal during the meeting came from Sen. Ernst, who suggested that the federal government should explore relocating its workforce across the country and aims to set occupancy goals for federal agencies. Ernst’s report highlighted that currently, only 6% of government workers are reporting in-person full-time, with nearly one-third working remotely. She proposed that Congress should strive for a 60% daily occupancy rate at government headquarters to enhance productivity.
The discussions surrounding the DOGE initiative signal a potentially transformative approach to how the federal government operates. As lawmakers continue to articulate their goals, they will likely face various challenges in balancing reform with the operational realities of a large bureaucracy.
Fox News’ Brooke Singman contributed to this report.
