Senator Elizabeth Warren, the top ranking Democrat on the Senate Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee, has expressed serious concerns regarding the access granted to Elon Musk and his Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to federal payment systems. In a letter addressed to newly confirmed Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Senator Warren emphasized the potential risks associated with allowing external entities to interfere with systems that handle trillions of dollars in transactions annually.
Senator Warren highlighted the critical role of federal payment systems in preventing defaults on federal debt, ensuring the timely distribution of Social Security benefits, tax refunds, and Medicare payments to millions of Americans. She underscored the importance of safeguarding these systems from unauthorized access and potential mismanagement.
Furthermore, Senator Warren raised concerns about the reported placement of David Lebyck, a top career official at the department, on leave following his resistance to DOGE's demands. She questioned the decision to entrust a sensitive system responsible for handling private data of millions of Americans to an unelected billionaire and individuals lacking appropriate qualifications.
Senator Warren called on Secretary Bessent to provide explanations and clarifications regarding the circumstances surrounding the access granted to DOGE and the actions taken within the department. She emphasized the need for transparency and accountability in addressing the potential risks posed by allowing external entities to influence critical government functions.
The Massachusetts senator has requested a response from Secretary Bessent by February 7, seeking to ensure that the privacy and economic security of all Americans are adequately protected in light of these developments.
