Trump’s DOGE efforts get legislative backup from House GOP

A group of House GOP allies of President Donald Trump are spearheading a bill that aims to solidify the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) and its efficiency initiatives in federal law. This move is seen as a way to provide some level of protection for DOGE from potential legal challenges in the coming year and a half.

Rep. Cory Mills, R-Fla., who is at the forefront of this bill, emphasized the importance of creating a reporting structure that allows for transparent communication between DOGE and Congress. This ensures that the efforts of DOGE in collaboration with the Cabinet are relayed to Congress, as part of their responsibility as stewards of taxpayer funding.

The legislation seeks to formalize Trump’s executive order, which directs Cabinet secretaries and heads of other executive offices to work closely with DOGE on various government efficiency plans. This would give Elon Musk and DOGE Acting Administrator Amy Gleason more authority to implement cost-cutting measures within the federal government, aligning with Trump’s agenda to eliminate wasteful spending.

Mills highlighted Musk’s innovative approach, utilizing algorithms to analyze government programs round the clock for anomalies and inefficiencies. This modernization and optimization strategy are central to the bill’s objective of streamlining government operations.

The bill is co-sponsored by House DOGE Caucus co-chair Aaron Bean, R-Fla., along with support from Reps. Byron Donalds, R-Fla.; Barry Moore, R-Ala.; and Michael Rulli, R-Ohio. If passed, the bill is expected to shield DOGE from potential Democratic attempts to impede its access to federal government data.

Recent developments saw Musk and DOGE being compelled by U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan to disclose a wide range of records in response to a lawsuit filed by several Democratic attorneys general. This underscores the urgency of enshrining DOGE’s role in federal law to safeguard its operations.

The proposed bill represents a significant step towards enhancing government efficiency and fiscal responsibility. It underscores the commitment of House GOP allies to streamline operations and curb wasteful spending, aligning with the broader agenda of the Trump administration.

Elizabeth Elkind, a politics reporter for Fox News Digital, is leading the coverage of these legislative efforts in the House of Representatives. Stay updated on Twitter at @liz_elkind and share any insights or tips at elizabeth.elkind@fox.com.