Senator debuts 26-page DOGE ‘playbook’ as Musk-led agency shakes up government
Sen. James Lankford, a Republican from Oklahoma, recently released his annual book of “federal fumbles,” which he believes can provide valuable insights for the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) led by Elon Musk. In this 26-page document, Lankford identifies various government inefficiencies and wasteful spending practices, aiming to offer solutions to improve federal agencies.
One of the examples highlighted in Lankford’s book is the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), which was recently dismantled by DOGE. Lankford referenced a report from the Special Inspector General from Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR) that revealed $11 million in taxpayer funds had unintentionally ended up in the hands of the Taliban since 2021. This alarming discovery underscores the need for a more rigorous screening process to vet organizations and partners receiving aid.
Another area of concern raised by Lankford is the U.S. Agency of Global Media (USAGM) and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB), which he believes undermine the United States both domestically and internationally. Lankford pointed out that nearly $956 million was spent by USAGM on broadcasting scandals and weaknesses within the U.S., potentially damaging the country’s reputation abroad. Additionally, CPB provides significant funding to NPR and PBS, two outlets that have faced criticism for alleged bias against Republicans.
Lankford’s “Playbook for DOGE” also addresses the handling of the southern border by the Biden administration, specifically the release of hundreds of thousands of illegal immigrants into the country with minimal vetting. Lankford calls for the reinstatement of the “Remain in Mexico” policy to prevent such incidents in the future and emphasizes the need for legislative action to address asylum loopholes.
Overall, Lankford’s book serves as a valuable resource for the Department of Government Efficiency, offering concrete examples of government inefficiencies and proposing solutions to enhance efficiency and accountability within federal agencies. As the DOGE continues to streamline government operations and reduce wasteful spending, Lankford’s insights can help guide future efforts to improve the effectiveness of government programs and services.
