Some Republican lawmakers have concerns about Elon Musk and DOGE. Here’s what they’ve said

WASHINGTON — Republicans, particularly those in Congress, have been overwhelmingly supportive of broad cuts across the federal government at the hands of Elon Musk ’s Department of Government Efficiency. With more reductions anticipated, here is a look at what some of those Republican members of Congress have had to say about the reductions in the federal civilian workforce, 80% of which is located outside Washington, D.C., and in their states and districts: Rep. Bill Huizenga, Michigan “I will fully admit, I think Elon Musk has tweeted first and thought second sometimes,” Huizenga said last week during a virtual meeting with constituents. Bost, who chairs the House Veterans Affairs Committee, said following that reporting that he had “questions about the impact these reductions and discussions could have on the delivery of services, especially following the implementation of the PACT Act” and would work “to ultimately put veterans back at the core of VA’s mission.” Rep. Derrick Van Orden, Wisconsin Saying that he found Musk “highly receptive” when the two spoke last week, Van Orden said in a news release that the billionaire had “assured” him that “DOGE will be more refined in their recommendations to ensure our vets and farmers are not hurt in the process of eliminating waste, fraud and abuse in federal spending.” Van Orden said he shared with Musk what he had heard from constituents, urging him to look at veterans and farmers “with a different lens.” Rep. Jennifer Kiggans, Virginia Virginia’s 2nd District, which Kiggans represents, is home to Virginia Beach and its large U.S. Navy presence. Rep. Don Bacon, Nebraska Bacon, who represents a swing district, has said the administration should be more careful in how it carries out its cuts, likening his desire to the need to “measure twice and cut once.” Last month, as the Agriculture Department scrambled to rehire several workers who were involved in the government’s response to the ongoing bird flu outbreak that has devastated egg and poultry farms over the past three years, Bacon commended Trump for “fulfilling his promise to shed light on waste, fraud, and abuse in government” but told AP that “downsizing decisions must be narrowly tailored to preserve critical missions.” Rep. Mike Simpson, Idaho Simpson has warned that national parks could be impaired by cutbacks at the start of summer hiring in preparation for the onslaught of visitors. “It’s a concern to all of us.” Sen. Lindsey Graham, South Carolina In reaction to the VA cuts memo, the chair of the Senate Budget Committee said he was displeased that the VA had not given lawmakers an advance notification of the changes, saying it was “political malpractice not to consult Congress.” “Maybe you’ve got a good reason to do it,” Graham said last week, leaving a lunch with Musk.