H.R.2006 - Department of Government Efficiency Act; DOGE Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R. 2006, also known as the Department of Government Efficiency Act or DOGE Act, seeks to codify Executive Order 14210. This executive order relates to implementing the President's Department of Government Efficiency workforce optimization initiative. The bill was introduced in the House of Representatives on March 10, 2025, and referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
The primary purpose of the bill is to give the Executive Order the full force and effect of law. This means the workforce optimization initiative would be legally binding and not merely a directive from the executive branch.
The bill's short title provides a convenient way to refer to the legislation, and the codification section ensures the Executive Order is formally integrated into the legal framework.
Expected Effects
If passed, H.R. 2006 would transform Executive Order 14210 from a presidential directive into a legally enforceable statute. This could lead to significant changes in how the government manages its workforce.
The Department of Government Efficiency workforce optimization initiative would become more permanent and less susceptible to changes with different administrations. This could result in long-term workforce restructuring and potential cost savings.
However, it could also lead to concerns about the balance of power between the executive and legislative branches, depending on the scope and impact of the Executive Order.
Potential Benefits
- Potential Cost Savings: Workforce optimization could lead to reduced government spending through attrition, reduced redundancy, and improved efficiency.
- Improved Government Efficiency: Streamlining processes and optimizing the workforce could lead to better service delivery and responsiveness to citizens.
- Long-Term Planning: Codifying the Executive Order provides a more stable framework for long-term workforce planning and management.
- Accountability: By codifying the order, Congress can exercise oversight and ensure the initiative is implemented effectively and transparently.
- Modernization: The initiative may encourage the adoption of new technologies and management practices, modernizing the federal workforce.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential Job Losses: Workforce optimization could lead to job losses or reduced hiring, impacting federal employees and their families.
- Reduced Employee Morale: Uncertainty about job security and potential changes in work roles could negatively impact employee morale and productivity.
- Shift in Power: Codifying an Executive Order could expand executive power and potentially circumvent legislative oversight in the future.
- Lack of Flexibility: A codified initiative may be less adaptable to changing circumstances and emerging needs than a more flexible executive order.
- Unintended Consequences: Workforce optimization may have unintended consequences, such as reduced expertise in certain areas or decreased diversity in the workforce.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The constitutionality of H.R. 2006 hinges on the scope of the Executive Order it seeks to codify and whether it infringes upon powers reserved for Congress. Article I, Section 8 grants Congress the power to establish post offices and post roads, raise and support armies, and provide and maintain a navy, among other things. If the Executive Order significantly alters these functions, it could be argued that the codification infringes upon Congress's enumerated powers.
Furthermore, the Appointments Clause (Article II, Section 2, Clause 2) gives the President the power to appoint officers of the United States, with the advice and consent of the Senate. If the workforce optimization initiative involves significant restructuring of government positions or the creation of new offices, it could raise questions about whether the President is exceeding his appointment power.
However, if the Executive Order primarily focuses on improving efficiency and streamlining existing processes without fundamentally altering the structure or functions of government, it is more likely to be considered constitutional under the President's executive authority.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).