House Democrats have initiated a coordinated pressure campaign aimed at limiting Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) by leveraging the GOP's narrow majority in the House of Representatives.
Democratic lawmakers have taken to various media platforms to urge just three House Republicans to support a bill that would prevent Musk from accessing U.S. citizens' records in the Department of Treasury. Typically, legislation requires approval from majority party leaders to proceed to a House-wide vote.
However, Democrats are considering using a discharge petition to bypass GOP leaders' potential opposition. This petition would force the legislation to a House-wide vote if it garners signatures from a majority of House lawmakers.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries highlighted the slim Republican majority, emphasizing that just three Republicans joining Democrats could halt certain legislation. Jeffries criticized Republicans for not taking a stand on issues concerning the American people.
Progressive Democrats like Rep. Mark Pocan and Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick have been vocal in their opposition to Musk accessing private financial information, urging House Republicans to support legislation that would prevent such access.
The focus on the number three stems from the fact that only three House Republicans won districts where former Vice President Kamala Harris outperformed former President Donald Trump in the previous election.
While most House Republicans have supported Musk's DOGE initiatives, Democrats have raised concerns about Musk's lack of government experience and potential conflicts of interest. Republicans argue that the substantial national debt necessitates extraordinary measures.
This campaign is expected to continue throughout the 119th Congress as Republicans navigate their slim majority in the House of Representatives.
