Midwestern state senator revives DOGE-aligned bills as GOP prepares for DC takeover
Sen. Eric Schmitt, R-Mo., is making a bold move to reintroduce two crucial bills that align with the newly formed Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) under the leadership of President-elect Donald Trump. With the GOP now in control of the Senate, Schmitt sees an opportunity to push forward with the ERASER Act and the Separation of Powers Restoration Act (SOPRA) to combat government waste and streamline regulations.
DOGE, spearheaded by billionaire Elon Musk and former presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy, aims to eliminate unnecessary regulations and promote efficiency within the government. Schmitt’s ERASER Act would require agencies to repeal three existing regulations for every new major rule issued, ensuring that the cost of the new rule does not exceed that of the repealed regulations. Meanwhile, SOPRA seeks to end executive deference in the Administrative Procedure Act, allowing courts to independently evaluate regulatory arguments without bias.
In a statement to Fox News Digital, Schmitt expressed his commitment to reducing the power of bureaucratic entities and returning control to the American people. He emphasized the significance of these bills in curbing the overreach of the administrative state and promoting transparency in government decision-making. With support from fellow GOP senators like Rick Scott, Ted Cruz, and Marsha Blackburn, Schmitt is confident that these measures will gain traction in the newly Republican-led Senate.
While the bills were initially introduced in the previous Congress, they never made it to the floor for a vote due to Democratic leadership. However, with the changing political landscape and a renewed focus on government efficiency, Schmitt is optimistic about the prospects of passing these critical pieces of legislation. Senate Majority Leader John Thune is expected to prioritize votes on these bills, along with other GOP initiatives that were previously sidelined.
As the Senate gears up for a busy legislative session, the reintroduction of the ERASER Act and SOPRA signals a renewed effort to tackle regulatory burdens and empower American citizens. With bipartisan support and a shared commitment to cutting red tape, Schmitt and his colleagues are poised to make significant strides in reshaping the regulatory landscape. Stay tuned for updates on the progress of these bills and their impact on government efficiency.