Lawmakers Want Cautious Approach to Efficiency Review

December 11, 2024

Lawmakers at last weekend’s Reagan National Defense Forum seemed open to reviewing the federal budget – including defense spending – according to Defense One. But they also seemed skeptical of sweeping across-the-board cut recommendations that may come from DOGE, the efficiency panel to be led by Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy.

“I don’t think we know what this thing is. It’s not a government agency,” Sen. Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.) said. “Congress decides how we appropriate and spend money. We’re gonna have to see.”

Rep. Don Bacon (R-Neb.) said he wants to ensure cost-cutting measures don’t hit important weapons programs, according to the report.

“Don’t cut fighters, ICBMs, bombers,” Bacon said. “Typically when we cut, we’re cutting programs. And I said, if you can show a wasteful program, by all means… I’m good to look at it. I want to maintain combat capability. We’ve got to counter China, and I don’t want this to be an excuse to cut the force.”

DOD photo by Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Alexander Kubitza

December 11, 2024

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