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Rep. Subramanyam introduces bills to rein in DOGE
The introduction of these bills comes amid escalating scrutiny of DOGE's practices.
Virginia State Senator Suhas Subramanyam / Image- Wikipedia
Indian American Congressman Suhas Subramanyam (D-VA) has introduced two bills to enforce transparency and accountability in the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) following concerns over its unchecked actions.
The initiatives respond to recent actions by DOGE, led by billionaire Elon Musk, such as the firing of qualified federal employees and the dismantling of essential agencies, which have sparked widespread outrage.
The first bill, titled the Legislative Enforcement Against Setbacks from Harmful DOGE Actions Act (LEASH DOGE Act), mandates that DOGE provide a public report to Congress detailing all employees and advisors, including their background checks, security clearances, and any potential conflicts of interest.
Additionally, the act requires DOGE to testify before Congress regarding the sensitive information accessible to its personnel within federal systems.
A publicly accessible website, updated weekly, would also be established to inform citizens about employee roles, federal layoffs, funding cuts, and provide points of contact for public inquiries. Should DOGE fail to meet these requirements by Mar. 31, the act proposes withholding congressionally appropriated funds for its activities.
The second piece of legislation, the Accountability in Government Efficiency Act, calls for a comprehensive report assessing the impact of DOGE's actions on the nation's financial stability, public health, and safety. This includes evaluating the reduction of civil service employees, termination of federal programs, associated costs of pausing and restarting initiatives, and DOGE's adherence to the Privacy Act of 1974.
Congressman Subramanyam expressed deep concern over DOGE's recent operations, stating, "DOGE has usurped congressional authority and the will of the American people to make unauthorized, unconstitutional spending decisions and illegally gain access to extremely sensitive data of American taxpayers without any oversight or accountability."
He emphasized the necessity of these bills to "make DOGE accountable to the American people and stop its leaders from illegally taking away congressionally authorized programs and services that make Americans safe, healthy, and prosperous."
The introduction of these bills comes amid escalating scrutiny of DOGE's practices. Recent reports have highlighted significant resignations within the department, with over 20 civil servants departing due to ethical concerns.
Further compounding the controversy, investigations have revealed that nearly 40 percent of the 1,125 federal contracts terminated by DOGE did not result in any taxpayer savings. In some instances, funds had already been expended or were legally obligated, undermining claims of fiscal efficiency.
Both legislative proposals have garnered support from several co-sponsors, including Representatives Emmanuel Cleaver (D-MI), Eleanor Norton Holmes (D-DC), Jonathan Jackson (D-IL), Sara Jacobs (D-CA), Raul Grijalva (D-AZ), Cleo Fields (D-LA), John Larson (D-CT), Rashida Tlaib (D-MI), Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ), and Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL).
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