Rep. Tim Burchett (R-Tenn.) said the proposed Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) would be a “waste of time” unless Congress is working “on the things that really matter.” said.
“All the keys are in that room. If Congress doesn't have the courage to do what they're really talking about, it's just a waste of time,” Burchett said. video Posted on Thursday at X.
“They're going to abolish executive orders and unelected officials that impose rules and regulations on us. If Congress doesn't have the courage. That's what scares me,” the Tennessee Republican said. he added after concluding a meeting the congressman had with DOGE on Thursday. Co-leaders Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy at Parliament House.
In a meeting Thursday with Republicans in Congress, the two tech entrepreneurs did not give a clear answer on how much $2 trillion in spending cuts would be possible, according to Republican lawmakers.
Some hinted that Republicans have a narrow majority in the House and Senate through filibusters.
Rep. Max Miller (R-Ohio) characterized the gathering as a “listening session.”
“Probably half of the people there were really excited and the other half knew the reality,” Miller said, referring to attendees.
“It's just 'getting to know you' and trying to understand the full scope of what they're proposing, how much of it will be accomplished through executive action,” said Rep. Tom Cole, Speaker of the House. (R-Oklahoma) said. Appropriations Committee told The Hill. “This is a very preliminary discussion.”
Musk and Ramaswamy also met with recently elected Senate Republican Leader John Thune (S.D.) and House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-Louisiana) to discuss ways to cut spending.
“I vote against a lot of things. I see about 15 red dots on the board, which means I voted against horrible spending,” Burchett said. spoke. “And you're going to see about 400 green lights on the board, and that's going to be a problem.”
Some Democrats have expressed interest in working with the board's leaders and their ideas.
Sen. Bernie Sanders (D-Vermont) praised Musk as a “very smart man,” saying, “We need a strong military, but all the waste, profiteering, and fraud that currently exists at the Pentagon. It's not necessary,” he added. ”
Another progressive Democrat, Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.), said at X that he was “ready to work” with DOGE, especially “to reduce waste,” referring to defense spending. .
Representatives Greg Landsman (Ohio) and Jared Moskowitz (Florida) said they will join the Congressional Delivering Superior Government Efficiency (DOGE) caucus.
Not all Democrats like DOGE, which was created to “cut wasteful spending.”
“They haven't asked to meet with me, but the seizure of funds appropriated by Congress is unconstitutional and illegal,” Rep. Zoe Lofgren (D-Calif.) said on CNN Thursday.
“There's no such thing as a 'Ministry of Government Efficiency.' It's a done thing. I wish them the best of luck,” she said.
