Austin News

On March 5, 2025, U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) delivered remarks on the Senate floor, commending President Trump, Elon Musk, and the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) for their initiatives to combat fraud and curb excessive federal spending. Cornyn criticized media outlets for allegedly misrepresenting DOGE's efforts.

Senator Cornyn highlighted the significant national debt, stating, "Right now the U.S. national debt—that’s like our credit card—sits at over $36.4 trillion." He emphasized the need to address Washington's spending habits and expressed appreciation for Musk's involvement in spotlighting fiscal issues: "Washington, D.C. is addicted to spending... while DOGE may not erase that national debt overnight, they are certainly highlighting the problems that those taxpayer expenditures present."

Cornyn addressed misconceptions about DOGE's role in government operations: "Some in the media have created... misperceptions that Mr. Musk and his team are going in and making personnel and financial decisions on their own... but that’s simply false." He clarified that DOGE staff review various governmental aspects and provide recommendations to agency heads who hold decision-making authority.

The senator endorsed Musk's contribution to reforming government efficiency: "To have someone like Elon Musk and DOGE come in and shake things up is just exactly what Washington needs." Acknowledging persistent issues of waste within government structures, he expressed support for DOGE's mission: "I support the efforts that the Department of Government Efficiency are undertaking."

Cornyn concluded by reaffirming his commitment as a member of the Senate Caucus for DOGE to collaborate with Musk and President Trump in improving America's fiscal path.