DOGE Caucus senator introduces two bills to kickstart waste cutting in Trump term

Sen. James Lankford, a key member of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) Caucus, is taking a proactive approach to combat government waste related to the COVID-19 pandemic. In an exclusive interview with Fox News Digital, the Oklahoma Republican unveiled two bills aimed at addressing fraud and inefficiencies in pandemic relief programs.

The first bill seeks to empower states to halt unemployment payments to individuals suspected of fraudulent activities. Currently, unemployment agencies are required to restart payments within two weeks if they are appealed, even in cases where fraud is suspected. Lankford’s proposed legislation would eliminate this loophole, allowing states to prevent fraudulent claimants from receiving payments.

The second bill focuses on extending the statute of limitations for prosecuting COVID-19 recovery fund fraud. This measure would ensure that individuals involved in fraudulent activities related to pandemic relief programs, such as the Coronavirus Relief Fund and Economic Impact Payments, can be held accountable for their actions. Eugene Dodaro, the Comptroller of the Government Accountability Office, has endorsed this bill as a crucial step in combating fraud and waste.

Lankford emphasized the non-partisan nature of his efforts, stating, “Making the government more efficient isn’t a partisan issue—it’s an American issue.” He highlighted the importance of closing loopholes that allow fraudsters to exploit pandemic relief programs, ultimately burdening taxpayers.

The DOGE Caucus, spearheaded by President-elect Donald Trump, aims to streamline government operations and eliminate wasteful spending. In November, Trump appointed billionaire Elon Musk and former presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy to lead the advisory board. Musk has expressed confidence in the DOGE initiative’s potential to identify significant savings, estimating that it could cut trillions in government spending.

Sen. Joni Ernst, a co-sponsor of Lankford’s COVID fraud bill, is among the lawmakers supporting efforts to enhance government efficiency and accountability. The introduction of these legislative measures reflects a broader commitment to rooting out waste and fraud in pandemic relief programs.

In conclusion, Sen. James Lankford’s proactive approach to addressing government waste related to the COVID-19 pandemic underscores the importance of accountability and efficiency in federal programs. By introducing targeted legislation to combat fraud and extend the statute of limitations for prosecution, Lankford is taking a critical step towards safeguarding taxpayer dollars and ensuring transparency in government operations.