DOGE's Second Act. As Elon Musk steps back, Congress, agencies and We the People need to step up. By OpenTheBooks (05/13/25)

openthebooks.substack.c…

OpenTheBooks (OTB) was DOGE before DOGE was a glitter in Elon Musk’s eye. OTB’s carefully researched watchdog reports over decades are the perfect blueprint for fiscal responsibility. Unfortunately, Congress, agencies, and the people largely have ignored their work, putting America in a major financial pickle 🤑🥒.

This article shines a light on what DOGE has accomplished so far, and what path DOGE, Congress, agencies, and “We the People” should consider as Elon Musk steps back. It draws on the author's experience with Senator Tom Coburn, focusing on transparency and past fiscal achievements.

America’s future as a strong, fiscally responsible nation requires everyone to step up.

SUMMARY (assisted by Grok ai, with many edits):

DOGE's second act focuses on two priorities to build on first 100 days' lessons. Every dollar saved can fuel growth and opportunities nationwide.

• First priority: Enhance transparency in federal spending to empower taxpayers.

• Second priority: Streamline government operations to reduce waste and boost efficiency.

Historical Context: Article recounts past efforts, like the 2006 creation of usaspending.gov with Barack Obama, and savings of $957 (see Detailed Breakdown below).

Current Proposals: Urges DOGE to create “America’s Checkbook” for real-time transparency and collaborate on cuts, such as reducing spending on federal real estate, aiming for over $2 trillion in savings by reimagining major programs.

Political Climate: Favorable conditions exist for reform, with the GOP now representing working-class interests. The author compares today’s climate to 1989's, with opportunity for bureaucratic reform and DOGE seen as unifying.

Detailed Financial Breakdown: Key numerical data and historical references.

• Historical Savings: $150 billion (2011-2013 direct cuts), $140 billion (earmark ban), $667 billion (GAO duplicative programs), Total: $957 billion

• Current Spending Waste: One-third of $6.75 trillion (2023 spending) wasted, equaling $2.25 trillion

• Proposed Savings Target: Over $2 trillion, requiring major program reimagination

• Federal Real Estate: $4.6 billion spent on new furniture since 2020, despite low office use

Key Citations (linked in article):

• usaspending.gov Platform

• Wall Street Journal Article on Savings

• Open the Books Investigation on Earmark Ban

• GAO Report on Duplicative Programs

• NY Post Article on Federal Furniture Spending

• Grace Commission Reports on Waste

• Harvard Harris Poll on Political Climate

Related:

• Senator Ron Johnson Newsletter: The Ugly Truth About the Big Beautiful Bill. Also Biden DOJ Weaponization Investigation + COVID Data Possibly Destroyed + Community Building (05/13/25): tinyurl.com/5bymzuty