Senator Introduces First DOGE Bills Ahead of Trump Inauguration

A Republican senator is pushing a series of bills focused on trimming government waste as the Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE, gears up for the next administration.

Key Facts:

• Sen. James Lankford, R-Okla., introduced six new measures in his effort to reduce federal spending.
• The DOGE caucus seeks to streamline regulations, rule-making, and recordkeeping.
• One bill, the “Improving Federal Financial Management Act,” gauges agency performance against financial metrics.
• Another, the “TRUE Accountability Act,” calls for agency crisis plans.
• Leading GOP senators hope these proposals will move quickly once President-elect Donald Trump is sworn in.

The Rest of The Story:

Sen. Lankford believes voters expect the federal government to tighten its belt.

He unveiled his DOGE bills with a clear message: reduce inefficiency, boost accountability, and save taxpayer dollars.

He cites frustrations over agencies that might be using outdated methods, such as extended telework or unclear guidelines, which can cause confusion and raise costs.

Among the proposals is a call for federal agencies to identify their internal plans for emergencies or crisis situations.

Lankford also wants agencies to clarify that certain agency “guidances” do not carry the weight of law.

These efforts align with the broader mission of DOGE, an advisory board launched by President-elect Trump, which features notable figures like Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy.

Supporters of the DOGE caucus believe it can produce real cost savings by examining every layer of federal spending.

They argue that telework policies and vague rules have allowed wasteful practices to creep in.

With a Republican-led Senate, Lankford expects these measures to gain traction early in the Trump administration.

While the plan faces Democratic opposition, Republicans see an opening to move forward, especially if these cost-cutting measures can bring bipartisan benefits.

Many conservative lawmakers say this is only the beginning.

They aim to roll out additional bills once the new administration settles in.

The Bottom Line:

Lankford’s proposals reflect a push to cut red tape and tighten federal budgets at the dawn of a new presidency.

GOP leaders think this is the moment to tackle rising costs and emphasize a leaner approach to governing.

READ NEXT: Vast Majority of Senior Managers Within Federal Bureaucracy Plan to Resist Trump Administration

Whether these bills become law or prompt bipartisan debate, they outline a clear direction for the DOGE caucus in Washington.