A growing number of congressional Republicans are increasingly worried about the impact of President Donald Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) cuts on federal workers and veterans.
Desperate Back-Channel Efforts
GOP lawmakers have been frantically trying to back-channel with White House officials following the latest round of firings affecting public safety and health roles. Despite publicly supporting the administration’s push to reduce the federal government, many Republicans are privately feeling helpless in countering the current approach.
Concerns for Veterans
Republican members are particularly uneasy about cuts affecting veterans, who have been disproportionately impacted by the dismissals. Senate Veterans Affairs Chair Jerry Moran and other lawmakers have been communicating their concerns with the White House legislative affairs team and Veterans Affairs Secretary Doug Collins.
Reinstating VA Employees
Republicans have quietly urged the White House to reinstate many of the 1,000 employees at the Department of Veterans Affairs who have been let go recently.
Strategic Communication
Many GOP lawmakers have been focusing their efforts on communicating with White House officials, resulting in some successes such as the Agriculture Department’s reversal of certain firings impacting the bird flu response.
Long-Term Fallout
Concerns also loom over the long-term effects of the cuts, especially in rural districts where the federal government plays a crucial role in maintaining farm and public health programs.
Medicare and Medicaid Worries
GOP lawmakers are wary of potential cuts to Medicare and Medicaid as President Trump’s administration targets waste, fraud, and abuse within these systems.
Monitoring Musk’s Influence
While many Republicans have refrained from public criticism of DOGE, some lawmakers are wary of billionaire tech mogul Elon Musk’s increasing influence and are closely monitoring the situation.
Support for Scrutiny
Senate Majority Leader John Thune has expressed support for the administration’s efforts to review federal programs while emphasizing the importance of not undermining essential services.
Congressional Response
While some GOP members have praised DOGE cuts, others have raised concerns about the potential impacts and the need for a balanced budget before implementing certain measures.
This ongoing situation underscores the complex dynamics within the GOP as members navigate their support for the administration’s cost-cutting measures.
