Congressman Suhas Subramanyam (D-VA) has introduced the Legislative Enforcement Against Setbacks from Harmful DOGE Actions Act, or LEASH DOGE Act, in response to growing concerns about the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
The bill aims to bring more transparency and accountability to the department, which has faced accusations of unconstitutional actions, such as firing qualified federal employees and dismantling congressionally established agencies.
What is the LEASH DOGE Act?
The LEASH DOGE Act is designed to increase oversight of DOGE by implementing strict transparency measures. It includes several key provisions:
1. Public Disclosure of Employee Information
- DOGE would be required to publicly list all employees and advisors, along with their background check results, security clearances, and any potential conflicts of interest.
- This move aims to ensure that those handling sensitive government affairs meet proper security standards.
2. Mandatory Congressional Testimony
- DOGE officials must testify before Congress regarding the sensitive information their personnel have access to.
- This ensures proper checks and balances to prevent unauthorized use of classified data.
3. Creation of a Public Website for Transparency
- A publicly accessible website must be established and updated weekly.
- This website would provide real-time information on:
- Employee positions
- Federal layoffs
- Funding reductions
- Points of contact for transparency
Why is This Bill Necessary?
Congressman Subramanyam emphasized the importance of this legislation, stating that DOGE has overstepped its authority by making unauthorized spending decisions and illegally accessing sensitive taxpayer data. He called the bill a “common-sense measure” to hold DOGE accountable and prevent illegal budget cuts that could harm essential government services.
Security Concerns Surrounding DOGE
There have been serious allegations regarding DOGE’s access to highly sensitive government databases. Reports suggest that:
- DOGE employees may have been accessing critical defense and intelligence information without proper security clearances.
- There is a lack of clear leadership within DOGE, with Elon Musk’s exact role in the department remaining uncertain.
- These concerns have led to legal challenges, with court cases and judicial hearings questioning DOGE’s legitimacy and competence.
The Bigger Picture: Growing Scrutiny of DOGE
The LEASH DOGE Act is part of a broader movement to ensure that government agencies operate within constitutional boundaries. The Trump administration has yet to comment on the bill, but increasing legal and political pressure may force action soon.
As concerns about government transparency and unauthorized access to sensitive data continue to grow, the outcome of this legislation could set a precedent for how government agencies are monitored and held accountable in the future.
