At a glance:
- Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) has introduced a legislative package called the “DOGE Acts” to reduce federal spending and promote government efficiency.
- The initiative aligns with President-elect Donald Trump’s plan to streamline government operations under Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy’s leadership.
- Proposals include freezing federal hiring and salaries, relocating agencies from Washington, D.C., and implementing merit-based compensation for federal employees.
Sen. Marsha Blackburn has announced a comprehensive set of proposals dubbed the “DOGE Acts,” aimed at tightening control over federal expenditures, limiting government growth, and promoting accountability in Washington.
The legislative package, which Blackburn’s office says will be introduced next week, comes as President-elect Donald Trump prepares to reshape the federal government with his newly created “Department of Government Efficiency” (DOGE), led by tech billionaire Elon Musk and entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy.
Key Provisions of the DOGE Acts
According to a statement from Blackburn’s office, the “DOGE Acts” would:
- Freeze federal hiring and salaries for one year.
- Relocate select federal agencies away from Washington, D.C.
- Implement a pilot program introducing merit-based compensation for federal employees.
- Require federal employees to return to in-office work.
The legislation also proposes creating a commission to oversee the planned agency relocations and to study the long-term impacts of decentralizing federal operations.
“Senator Blackburn is planning to introduce a package of bills – known as the DOGE Acts – aimed at holding the federal government more accountable for managing taxpayer dollars,” a spokesperson said.
Trump’s “Manhattan Project” for Government Efficiency
The DOGE Acts coincide with President-elect Trump’s initiative to overhaul federal governance by streamlining agencies, slashing regulations, and reducing wasteful spending. Trump recently tapped Musk and Ramaswamy to co-chair the newly created Department of Government Efficiency, which will work alongside the Office of Management and Budget.
Trump has compared the initiative to the historic Manhattan Project, calling it a “dream for Republican politicians” and a much-needed measure to control government bloat.
Musk and Ramaswamy, who visited Capitol Hill on Thursday to meet with Republican leaders, have expressed strong support for the DOGE Acts. Speaking to reporters, Musk emphasized the importance of fiscal responsibility. “I think we should be spending the public’s money wisely,” he said.
A Focus on Accountability and Efficiency
The DOGE Acts’ provisions reflect a broader push by Republicans to reform federal operations. The proposed merit-based compensation system seeks to reward high-performing employees while encouraging efficiency within the federal workforce.
Relocating agencies outside the Washington metropolitan area is intended to spread economic opportunity across the nation and reduce the concentration of political influence in the nation’s capital.
By freezing hiring and salaries, Blackburn’s proposals aim to curb spending growth and encourage departments to work within existing budgets.
Bipartisan Interest in Government Reform
While primarily a Republican initiative, aspects of the DOGE Acts have drawn interest from some Democrats who have long called for greater oversight of government spending. However, opposition is likely to emerge over the proposed hiring freeze and relocation efforts, which some critics argue could disrupt federal operations.
Next Steps
The DOGE Acts are expected to be formally introduced in the Senate next week. If passed, they could serve as a cornerstone of Trump’s government efficiency strategy and set the tone for his administration’s approach to managing taxpayer dollars.
With Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy’s guidance, the DOGE Acts could herald a significant shift in how the federal government operates, potentially marking the start of an unprecedented era of fiscal reform and accountability.