WASHINGTON — Iowa Republican Sen. Joni Ernst is pushing for significant government spending cuts, proposing ideas to President-elect Donald Trump’s team. Her suggestions include ending the production of pennies and nickels and reducing Pentagon overpayments. However, for these measures to be effective, her fellow Congress members must be convinced.
Ernst, who leads the Senate’s new government efficiency caucus, personally delivered her proposal to Trump at Mar-a-Lago, Florida. She also gave copies to Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy, Trump’s allies tasked with cutting government spending through the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
Ernst criticized Congress’s reluctance to trim Washington’s budget, describing it as a “make-believe” issue in her letter. The DOGE is not an official federal department, as it hasn’t been funded by Congress, and the executive branch has limited powers to alter federal spending without legislative approval.
Trump’s previous attempts to bypass Congress’s spending authority were mostly unsuccessful due to the Impoundment Control Act of 1974. This law, which prevents a president from withholding approved funds, was central to a 2019 controversy involving withheld Ukrainian aid, leading to Trump’s impeachment.
If Trump attempts to stop federal spending, it may lead to lawsuits and potentially reach the Supreme Court. Congress could amend the 1974 law, but such a move could have future implications for a Democratic administration.
‘Living high off the hog’
Ernst’s letter outlines $1 trillion in potential cuts to Musk and Ramaswamy, despite their lack of constitutional authority to enact these cuts if DOGE remains unofficial. She has faced challenges in her quest to reduce government spending, citing bipartisan agreement in Congress to “live high off the hog.”
The DOGE Caucus, formed by Ernst to pursue specific cuts, includes Republican senators like Ted Budd, John Cornyn, and Ted Cruz. Ernst’s proposed cuts target the Defense Department, echoing past efforts by Iowa’s senior senator, Chuck Grassley.
Ernst highlighted the Pentagon’s failure to pass an audit, estimating $125 billion wasted on bureaucracy. She noted overpayments, like $1 million for spare parts, including an 8,000% markup on a soap dispenser and $1,220 for a coffee cup. She also criticized unearned bonuses, such as $10.6 million paid to a contractor jeopardizing airmen’s safety.
Office space, pennies and nickels
Ernst suggested consolidating office space, reflecting the shift to remote work. She pointed out that the government owns 7,697 vacant buildings and spends millions on underutilized space. Additionally, Ernst proposed ceasing penny and nickel production, advocating for changing the coin composition to save costs.
Ernst mentioned she would continue to provide more cost-cutting suggestions to Musk and Ramaswamy.
Last updated 3:19 p.m., Nov. 25, 2024
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