DOGE: Cabinet Refinishing
The purpose of this article is to examine how consolidating executive branch operations can increase efficiency and reduce costs. The President's Cabinet consists of appointed leaders who oversee federal agencies and advise the President on national policy. These Cabinet Secretaries manage vast bureaucracies that impact various aspects of American life, from defense to education.
Cabinet Introduced
The Cabinet includes numerous departments such as the Department of Defense, Department of Education, and Department of Health and Human Services. Each of these agencies has a broad mandate and employs thousands of government workers. Over time, new agencies have been added, expanding the federal government’s reach and responsibilities.
Each Cabinet agency is tasked with specific duties ranging from national security to public welfare. Some agencies enforce laws and regulations, while others distribute federal funds and oversee public programs. The scope of their responsibilities often overlaps with state governments, raising questions about efficiency and necessity.
Cabinet Bloats
The executive branch has grown significantly, employing millions of federal workers across its various agencies. Each Cabinet department receives substantial funding, with some of the largest agencies managing budgets in the hundreds of billions. The federal workforce and spending continue to expand, straining taxpayers and increasing government overhead.
Many federal agencies duplicate functions already performed at the state level. For example, every state has its own department of education, yet the federal government also maintains a Department of Education. This redundancy raises concerns about inefficiency and the proper balance of power between state and federal authority.
The U.S. Constitution grants specific powers to the federal government, while reserving most responsibilities for the states. National defense, foreign relations, and interstate commerce fall under federal jurisdiction. Other functions, such as education and infrastructure, are primarily managed at the state level, making federal intervention unnecessary in many cases.
- There are currently 15 Cabinet Secretaries overseeing federal departments.
- The three largest federal agencies by budget are the Department of Defense, Department of Health and Human Services, and the Department of the Treasury.
- The Constitution limits federal authority, reserving most powers for the states.
Cabinet Optimized
Several federal agencies could be eliminated due to their redundancy with state-level operations. Departments such as Education and Housing and Urban Development oversee functions that states already manage effectively. Streamlining these agencies would reduce waste and allow states to take full responsibility for their respective programs.
Relocating federal agencies out of Washington, D.C., would improve efficiency and better serve the public. Agencies that primarily support specific states—such as the Department of Agriculture—could be moved to states with significant agricultural industries. Decentralizing federal operations would bring government services closer to the citizens who rely on them.
Reducing federal agency staff and eliminating unnecessary buildings in Washington, D.C., would result in substantial savings. Many government offices could be consolidated, and outdated bureaucratic positions could be phased out. These actions would lower federal expenditures and reduce the financial burden on taxpayers.
Non-mission-critical functions within federal agencies could be streamlined through shared services. Human resources, IT support, and administrative functions could be consolidated across departments. This approach would enhance efficiency while reducing operational costs.
- The Department of Education and Housing and Urban Development could be eliminated to reduce redundancy.
- Agencies such as the Department of Agriculture could be relocated to states where their services are most relevant.
- Shared administrative services across agencies would reduce costs and improve efficiency.
Summary
As federal agencies reduce their workforce and relocate operations to the states, maintaining a large presence in Washington, D.C., becomes unnecessary. The government can function more effectively by delegating authority to states and consolidating redundant offices. Downsizing federal buildings in the District of Columbia would cut expenses and improve governance.
Eliminating unnecessary Cabinet agencies and reducing government staff would save billions of dollars. These savings could be redirected toward reducing the national debt and easing the financial burden on taxpayers. A streamlined federal government would operate more efficiently while respecting the constitutional balance of power between states and the federal system.
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by Jolene Wilson