Memphis Standard

U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) addressed the Senate floor, discussing efforts by President Trump's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to tackle waste, fraud, and abuse in federal spending. This initiative follows Blackburn's introduction of the DOGE Acts, which align with the administration's accountability goals.

Senator Blackburn highlighted concerns over national debt and fiscal policies under the Biden-Harris administration. "Today, after four years of reckless spending and decades-high inflation under the Biden-Harris administration, our national debt sits at $36.4 trillion," she stated. She emphasized that interest payments on this debt surpass defense spending.

President Trump established DOGE shortly after taking office, appointing Elon Musk to lead the agency in identifying inefficiencies within government programs. According to Blackburn, DOGE has already identified significant areas of wasteful spending: "$33 million in Education Department grants...$44.6 million in canceled leases for unused federal office space; $45 million in scholarships for students in Burma; $182 million in Department of Health and Human Services contracts...$1 billion in DEI programs."

Blackburn criticized attempts by Democrats to portray DOGE negatively: "Contrary to Democrats’ Dishonest Narrative, DOGE Is Restoring Government Accountability." She noted that DOGE reports directly to President Trump and is working towards reducing bureaucracy.

To support these initiatives, Blackburn introduced the DOGE Acts aimed at increasing fiscal responsibility. The proposed legislation includes measures such as a hiring freeze, workforce reduction targets, merit-based compensation pilot programs, and reinstating pre-COVID telework policies. The acts also propose cutting non-security discretionary spending by 5% annually starting from fiscal year 2028.

"With DOGE, Republicans are delivering on it," Blackburn concluded regarding government accountability demands from Tennesseans and Americans nationwide.