Trump allies mount campaign to get DOGE codified by Congress

FIRST ON FOX: GOP Lawmakers Push Bill to Strengthen Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE)

In a move that highlights the growing tension between the Biden administration and Republican lawmakers, a group of House GOP allies of former President Donald Trump is leading a new bill aimed at enshrining the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) in federal law. The proposed legislation, championed by Rep. Cory Mills (R-Fla.), seeks to formalize DOGE’s role in cutting government waste and improving efficiency. If passed, the bill would shield DOGE from legal challenges and ensure its operations remain intact for at least the next 18 months. Speaking to Fox News Digital, Mills emphasized the importance of accountability, stating, "This creates a reporting structure that allows what DOGE is doing with the Cabinet to be relayed to Congress, which is our Article I authorities, which is really the idea of being good stewards of taxpayer funding."

Codifying Trump’s Executive Order and DOGE’s Mission

The legislation is built on Trump’s earlier executive order, which directed Cabinet secretaries and heads of executive offices to coordinate with DOGE on various government efficiency plans. By codifying this order, the bill aims to give DOGE a firmer footing in its mission to identify and eliminate government waste. Rep. Mills explained that DOGE’s efforts are designed to "modernize and maximize" government operations, leveraging innovative tools to streamline processes and save taxpayer dollars. Central to this effort is Elon Musk, who has reportedly developed an algorithm that sifts through federal programs to detect anomalies and inefficiencies. "What Elon has done is that he’s created kind of this algorithm that works in the background, that sifts through all of these different programs, 24 hours a day, to look at anomalies and how they’re being utilized," Mills said. This algorithm, according to Mills, helps identify areas where federal funds can be better utilized or cut if programs are no longer serving their intended purposes.

A Bipartisan Battle Over Government Efficiency

The bill is co-sponsored by several Republican lawmakers, including House DOGE Caucus co-chair Aaron Bean (R-Fla.) and Reps. Byron Donalds (R-Fla.), Barry Moore (R-Ala.), and Michael Rulli (R-Ohio). These lawmakers argue that the legislation is necessary to protect DOGE from political interference and ensure its independence. However, the initiative has faced significant pushback from Democrats, who have raised concerns about the transparency and legality of DOGE’s operations. A recent lawsuit filed by more than a dozen Democratic attorneys general has led to a court order requiring Elon Musk and DOGE Acting Administrator Amy Gleason to turn over records related to the agency’s activities. U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan’s ruling underscores the growing legal challenges DOGE faces as it seeks to implement its agenda.

Shielding DOGE from Democratic Opposition

If passed, the bill would provide DOGE with greater legal protections, making it harder for Democrats to block its efforts to gather and analyze federal government data. Republican lawmakers argue that such protections are essential to prevent partisan obstruction and ensure the agency can continue its work without interference. "This is about modernizing and maximizing," Mills said, emphasizing the need for a more efficient government. However, critics argue that the bill could embolden DOGE to overreach its authority, potentially leading to unchecked cuts in critical federal programs. The political battle over DOGE highlights deeper divisions in Washington over the role of government and how taxpayer dollars should be spent.

Elon Musk’s Role in the Efficiency Effort

Elon Musk has emerged as a key figure in DOGE’s efforts to modernize government operations. His algorithm, which runs 24/7, is designed to identify inefficiencies and anomalies in federal programs. According to Mills, this tool is a game-changer in the fight against government waste. "It’s about modernizing and maximizing," he said, noting that Musk’s contributions have already begun to yield results. For instance, DOGE and federal agencies have recently canceled over 200,000 government credit cards, a move that could save taxpayers millions of dollars. While Musk’s involvement has drawn praise from Republicans, it has also sparked concerns among Democrats, who worry about the lack of oversight and transparency in DOGE’s operations.

The Broader Implications of the Legislation

The legislation introduced by Mills and his colleagues represents more than just a technical adjustment to federal law—it signifies a broader ideological shift in how Republicans approach government operations. By codifying DOGE’s role and shielding it from legal challenges, the bill reflects a growing emphasis on efficiency and accountability in federal spending. For Republicans, this is a step toward fulfilling their campaign promises to cut waste and rein in government overreach. For Democrats, however, the move raises alarms about the potential for indiscriminate cuts to vital programs. As the bill moves through Congress, it is likely to face intense scrutiny and debate, with both sides dug in for a fierce battle over the future of government efficiency.