Congress Needs to Step Up and Codify DOGE’s Savings

Government waste is nothing new. For years, reports from Republican Sen. Rand Paul’s Festivus Report and the Government Accountability Office have detailed billions in taxpayer dollars squandered on frivolous projects—yet little has changed.

The Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE, initiative has joined the fight, once again exposing inefficiencies, fraud, and abuse. However, unless Congress steps in to act on these findings and assist DOGE’s efforts, DOGE risks becoming just another well-intentioned initiative that fails to deliver lasting reform.

Billions of taxpayer dollars continue to flow into wasteful programs, from absurd research grants to bloated administrative costs.

While DOGE has made significant strides in identifying these inefficiencies, reform also requires legislative action. Congress must acknowledge these findings, implement meaningful oversight measures, enforce spending caps, and eliminate redundant programs. Without congressional backing, the cycle of reports and inaction will continue, and taxpayers will keep footing the bill.

Other efforts have likewise exposed the magnitude of government waste. Paul’s 2024 “Festivus Report” identified over $1 trillion in squandered funds, including $419,470 for a study on cocaine consumption by lonely rats and $2.24 million for COVID-19 experiments on cats. Additionally, $10,000 was spent on a climate-themed ice-skating drag show, and $12 million was allocated for a pickleball complex in Las Vegas despite local opposition. These examples highlight frivolous expenditures and reflect a blatant disregard for taxpayer money.

Moreover, the Government Accountability Office released its 2025 High-Risk List, identifying 38 areas across the federal government susceptible to waste, fraud, abuse, and mismanagement.

The report cites $84 billion in savings over the past two years due to GAO recommendations yet emphasizes that progress has been inconsistent. This inconsistency suggests a systemic issue in implementing effective reforms, even when inefficiencies are well-documented.

Contracting and budget reforms are essential if government waste, fraud, and abuse are to be limited.  Agencies must be accountable for implementing recommendations, particularly in eliminating redundant programs and streamlining spending.

The GAO has issued multiple reports detailing how procurement reforms could save billions, but these recommendations remain ineffectual without enforcement. DOGE must move beyond merely exposing waste and advocate for tangible change.

While DOGE has already made significant strides in identifying waste and inefficiency, real reform cannot happen without congressional action.

Exposing government waste is only the first step–Congress must step in to codify DOGE’s findings into lasting policy changes. This includes passing legislation strengthening oversight mechanisms, enforcing spending caps, and streamlining bureaucratic inefficiencies. Without legislative backing, DOGE’s efforts risk becoming another well-intentioned initiative that fails to produce long-term results.

Lawmakers must recognize that fiscal responsibility is not just an ideal but a necessity, and they should work alongside DOGE to ensure taxpayer dollars are spent wisely and effectively.

The American people deserve an efficient government that prioritizes essential services over unnecessary expenditures. For DOGE to fulfill its mission, a whole-government approach is necessary to reduce the waste, fraud, and abuse that misspend taxpayers’ dollars.

The era of reports and hearings has passed; now is the time for accountability, reform, and a steadfast commitment to restoring trust in government spending.

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