Rep. Seth Magaziner (D-R.I.) mentioned tech billionaire Elon Musk could be a “coward” if he refuses to testify earlier than Congress about what the Division of Authorities Effectivity (DOGE) is doing to revamp the federal authorities.
Magaziner, interviewed by Fox Information outdoors the Treasury Division, weighed in on Musk’s affect and DOGE’s latest actions impacting numerous businesses throughout the chief department.
“I think if he won’t come before Congress to testify, then he’s a coward,” the lawmaker advised the outlet.
Earlier Wednesday, Republicans on the Home Oversight and Authorities Reform Committee rapidly shut down an concept from Democrats to subpoena Musk, which might pressure him to seem earlier than the panel and bear questioning in regards to the adjustments to the federal authorities.
The vote failed, 19-20, as a result of Democrats didn’t have sufficient assist.
Musk and DOGE officers have begun their takeover by working to dismantle the U.S. Company for Worldwide Improvement (USAID) — together with its staff being positioned on go away — and getting access to the federal cost system, which incorporates People’ tax data. The Treasury Division was sued by a coalition of teams over the difficulty, although the administration mentioned entry could be “read-only.”
“That is utterly unlawful,” Magaziner said. “I imply, Congress appropriates cash and the president, or his unelected lackeys, don’t have the authority to only withhold cash that Congress is appropriating.”
The Rhode Island Democrat reiterated a typical concern amongst his colleagues: Musk and DOGE might have an excessive amount of entry to confidential, delicate info from People.
The Treasury Division controls $6 trillion yearly and distributes funds for numerous applications together with Social Safety and Medicare, salaries for federal staff, funds to authorities contractors and grant recipients and tax refunds for People.
Magaziner tried to bridge the hole between Democrats and DOGE officers, who’ve been tasked with reducing federal spending.
“We’re all for finding fraud and finding more efficiency in government,” the lawmaker mentioned. “If he has ideas for how to do it he should say what they are and call them out.”
“But what he does not have the authority to do is just willy-nilly stop payments that have been appropriated by Congress with no process, no due process and no transparency,” he added.
