House DOGE Caucus Proposes DRAIN THE SWAMP Act to Reduce Federal Bureaucracy

House DOGE Caucus Proposes DRAIN THE SWAMP Act to Reduce Federal Bureaucracy

EXCLUSIVE: The founder of the House DOGE Caucus, Aaron Bean, R-Fla., plans to introduce the DRAIN THE SWAMP Act this week as part of ongoing legislative efforts aimed at curbing government waste. This proposal seeks to shake up the federal bureaucratic system and enhance accountability.

The DRAIN THE SWAMP Act mandates that federal agency heads relocate roughly one-third of their headquarters-based workforce to areas outside of Washington, D.C. This initiative is designed to save taxpayer money by selling off underutilized office space in the capital.

Aaron Bean, who established the bipartisan DOGE caucus in November, emphasizes that this proposed legislation, which stands for the Decentralizing and Reorganizing Agency Infrastructure Nationwide To Harness Efficient Services, Workforce Administration and Management Priorities Act, plays a vital role in restoring accountability within Washington’s government operations.

“The swamp is thick and deep here in crazy town, and I’m here to drain it,” Bean stated in an interview with Fox News Digital on Wednesday. He believes the time has come to remind Washington officials of their primary responsibility to serve the American populace.

Exemptions from Relocation Requirements

Notably, the legislation exempts key agencies from these relocation mandates. The Pentagon, Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), and National Security Agency (NSA), which operates from Fort George G. Meade in Maryland, will remain in their current locations.

The remaining federal workforce, approximately 70 percent, will be required to operate from the D.C. area full-time under the act. Such an arrangement underscores the need for in-person accountability amid growing concerns about government efficiency.

Management of Federal Office Space

The legislation also instructs the Office of Management and Budget, an executive branch agency, to initiate efforts to sell or not renew leases on office spaces that become available due to relocations. This initiative aims to reduce unnecessary costs to taxpayers.

Bean remarked that the DRAIN THE SWAMP Act is crucial in ensuring the federal government prioritizes the needs of its citizens instead of catering solely to bureaucratic interests.

Senate Companion Legislation

Senator Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, Bean’s counterpart in the Senate, has introduced complementary legislation intended to facilitate a smoother reconciliation process between the House and Senate versions of the bill, ultimately aiming to get it to the president’s desk.

The Iowa senator pointed out that the federal workforce has made their preferences clear—they do not wish to remain in D.C., and she intends to make their desires a reality. Ernst has previously drawn attention to waste, fraud, and abuse, particularly through her initiative known as “Squeal Awards.” This initiative serves to identify and address government inefficiencies in fund allocation.

The Expanding DOGE Caucus

Since its inception, the DOGE caucus has grown significantly, with Aaron Bean welcoming two GOP co-chairmen to the group. Representatives Pete Sessions of Texas and Blake Moore of Utah have joined as influential members.

Sessions, who chairs the House Oversight Subcommittee on Government Operations, has previously underscored the staggering $2.7 trillion in fraud and improper government payments reported over the last two decades. He noted that such extensive misuse highlights an urgent need for reform.

“This is an absolutely unacceptable misuse of taxpayer dollars. Hardworking Americans deserve a government that works efficiently and effectively,” Sessions commented, highlighting the urgency of the DRAIN THE SWAMP Act.

Combating Waste in Government Spending

In a recent statement, DOGE leader Elon Musk emphasized the importance of identifying and eliminating improper payments. He explained that such oversight efforts have already unveiled instances of astonishing government inefficiencies, including Social Security payments being issued to individuals reportedly 150 years old.

Elon Musk’s support for the DRAIN THE SWAMP Act adds an innovative perspective on how technology can aid in better government accountability. By leveraging data and analytics, officials can more effectively tackle waste and misuse.

Moore, a member of both the Budget Committee and the Ways and Means Committee, holds crucial positions that could further expedite the implementation of these initiatives.

Implications for the Future of Federal Employment

The DRAIN THE SWAMP Act represents a significant attempt to reshape how federal employees function and where they work. By mandating a relocation of personnel, lawmakers hope to not only save taxpayer funds but also to modernize and streamline government operations.

As discussions surrounding the bill continue, advocates will need to ensure that relocating employees does not hinder governmental effectiveness. The fine balance between improving efficiency and maintaining service levels will be critical as this initiative unfolds.

The focus now shifts to Congress as it prepares to deliberate on this ambitious proposal. As the DRAIN THE SWAMP Act gains traction, both supporters and critics will closely monitor its progress, reflecting ongoing sentiments about accountability and effectiveness in government.