Rep. Jared Moskowitz from Florida, a Democrat, made headlines this week by joining the bipartisan DOGE Caucus in the House of Representatives. This group aims to improve government efficiency and reduce unnecessary spending. His involvement marks a notable crossover, as he is the first Democrat to join this caucus, which was launched by Republican Reps. Pete Sessions of Texas and Aaron Bean of Florida.
In a recent statement, Moskowitz expressed his belief that getting rid of ineffective spending should be a goal everyone can support, regardless of party affiliation. He specifically called for the separation of the U.S. Secret Service from the Department of Homeland Security, a sentiment that has gained traction among several Republican lawmakers in recent months.
Moskowitz emphasized the need to streamline the federal government, stating, “The Department of Homeland Security has grown too large, and it’s time to reconsider how it operates.” He advocated for turning the Secret Service and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) into independent federal agencies that report directly to the White House.
“It’s not practical to manage 22 agencies under one department,” he noted, indicating his willingness to collaborate with Republicans to make these changes.
Interestingly, Moskowitz’s position draws from his experience prior to his congressional role, where he served as Florida’s director of Emergency Management under Republican Governor Ron DeSantis. His background gives him a unique perspective on both agencies involved in this restructuring effort.
In addition to his commitment to the DOGE Caucus, Moskowitz is part of a bipartisan task force looking into threats against former President Donald Trump, underscoring his engagement in significant national issues.
The DOGE Caucus, which stands for Delivering Outstanding Government Efficiency, aligns with broader Republican efforts to enhance government operations, particularly following President-elect Donald Trump’s initiative to create a DOGE advisory panel led by notable figures like Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy.
House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer has also indicated plans for the upcoming Congress to form a special subcommittee focused on government efficiency, led by Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia.
As lawmakers explore ways to cut down on government waste, Moskowitz’s bipartisan approach could pave the way for future collaborations aimed at making the federal government more efficient and responsive to the needs of the American people.