Conservatives worry Congress won’t have ‘spine’ for spending overhaul after DOGE meetings
Republicans have big plans for cutting spending next year, but some GOP lawmakers are expressing doubts about Congress’s ability to rally the momentum needed for significant changes. Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy, appointed by President-elect Trump to lead the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), are working on a strategy to reduce spending and tackle the national debt.
While the focus of the advisory panel is primarily on executive actions that Trump could take, lawmakers are acknowledging that lasting change must come through legislation. Some Republicans, however, are questioning whether they can achieve this goal.
Representative Tim Burchett of Tennessee expressed skepticism about his fellow GOP lawmakers, stating, “The problem’s in that room.” He believes that many talk tough about cutting spending but fail to follow through with their votes. Burchett emphasized the need for accountability and courage in making tough decisions.
During a series of meetings on Capitol Hill, Musk and Ramaswamy engaged with lawmakers to discuss how Congress and the White House can collaborate to achieve fiscal responsibility. Retiring Representative Dan Bishop of North Carolina noted that many members proposed ideas to save money during these discussions, but he also highlighted the importance of taking action through votes on the House floor.
The discussions surrounding DOGE have reignited longstanding divisions within the House GOP, which has struggled with fiscal issues and government funding in the past. The national debt recently surpassed $36 trillion, prompting concerns about the lack of significant spending cuts.
Representative Chip Roy of Texas challenged his colleagues to “grow a spine” and make meaningful cuts to government spending. He emphasized the need for lawmakers to prioritize fiscal responsibility and make tough choices, akin to managing a household budget.
Despite the optimism surrounding DOGE’s mission, some GOP aides remain skeptical about Congress’s willingness to implement substantial spending cuts. One aide noted that while identifying areas to cut is crucial, actual reductions in spending will require congressional action.
Overall, there are mixed opinions within the Republican Party about the effectiveness of Musk and Ramaswamy leading the charge on spending cuts. Some lawmakers question the feasibility of their proposals and criticize the lack of a concrete plan. Despite these reservations, the push for fiscal responsibility and waste reduction remains a top priority for many Republicans in Congress.
