H.R.3072 - DOGE Codification Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R. 3072, the DOGE Codification Act of 2025, seeks to codify actions taken by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). This bill aims to give the force of law to all rules, policies, guidance, and procedures implemented by DOGE, as well as any related agency actions. It also ensures that regulations rescinded or modified by DOGE remain in their revised form unless DOGE or Congress acts to change them.
The bill further mandates the maintenance of budgetary savings and efficiency measures identified and implemented by DOGE, overriding any conflicting provisions in law or appropriation. The bill's intention is to make permanent the changes implemented by the Department of Government Efficiency.
The bill was introduced in the House of Representatives by Mrs. Luna and referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
Expected Effects
The primary effect of this bill would be to solidify the authority and actions of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) by codifying them into law. This would make it more difficult for future administrations or Congresses to reverse the changes implemented by DOGE.
This could lead to long-term impacts on government efficiency, regulatory frameworks, and budgetary allocations. The bill could also limit the flexibility of future administrations to adapt to changing circumstances or policy priorities.
Potential Benefits
- Increased Government Efficiency: By codifying DOGE's actions, the bill aims to ensure that efficiency measures and cost savings are maintained, potentially leading to a more streamlined government.
- Regulatory Certainty: Businesses and agencies may benefit from the stability provided by codifying regulations modified by DOGE.
- Long-Term Budgetary Savings: The bill mandates the maintenance of budgetary savings identified by DOGE, which could lead to long-term fiscal benefits.
- Reduced Red Tape: Codifying DOGE's reforms could lead to a reduction in bureaucratic processes and improved government responsiveness.
- Streamlined Processes: Codification could lead to more streamlined and efficient processes within government agencies.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Reduced Flexibility: Codifying DOGE's actions could limit the ability of future administrations to adapt to changing circumstances or policy priorities.
- Potential for Entrenchment of Inefficient Policies: If DOGE's actions are not well-considered, codification could entrench inefficient or ineffective policies.
- Limited Congressional Oversight: The bill could reduce Congressional oversight of DOGE's actions by making them more difficult to modify or reverse.
- Unintended Consequences: Codifying complex regulations and policies could lead to unintended consequences that are difficult to address.
- Lack of Transparency: If DOGE's actions were not transparent or subject to public input, codification could perpetuate a lack of accountability.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill's constitutional alignment is complex. Article I, Section 1 of the Constitution vests all legislative powers in Congress. While this bill is being considered by Congress, its broad codification of executive actions could be seen as an abdication of legislative responsibility, potentially conflicting with this principle.
Additionally, the bill's mandate to maintain budgetary savings "notwithstanding any other provision in law or appropriation" could be interpreted as infringing on Congress's power of the purse, which is a fundamental aspect of legislative authority. The constitutionality of the executive order establishing DOGE would also need to be considered, as the bill seeks to codify actions taken under that order.
However, Congress has the power to delegate authority to the executive branch, and this bill could be seen as an exercise of that power. The extent of this delegation and whether it infringes on Congress's core legislative functions would be a key consideration.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).