Lawmakers press GAO on legality and risks of 'Doge' actions after mass firings and data access controversies

Several members of the House Oversight Committee used the GAO high-risk hearing to press the comptroller general on recent operational changes carried out by the Department of Government Efficiency ("Doge") and on allegations involving access to federal systems and mass firings.

Comptroller General Gene Dodaro told the committee GAO is examining legal and financial questions raised by the administration's actions and has sent letters requesting explanations. "We're following the court cases as well, so we're evaluating the court filings," he said when asked about potential Impoundment Control Act issues. Dodaro added, "We are going to make these decisions as fast as we can," and said GAO would consider litigation if appropriate.

The nut graf: Committee members from both parties asked whether the new office and related actions complied with law, whether an unelected private-sector actor should have broad access to federal data and systems, and whether mass, indiscriminate firings would worsen the problems GAO identified in the high-risk list. Dodaro said GAO will review arrangements, conflicts of interest and legal authorities and will pursue remedies under the law if it finds violations.

Republican members argued the effort is necessary to cut waste and modernize government. Representative Andy Biggs (R-Ariz.) and others defended rapid changes as efficiency measures. Several Democrats and some Republicans raised immediate concerns about operations: they listed examples of affected programs and staff — VA clinical and claims staff, IRS personnel during tax season, FDA and NIH researchers, and FAA safety inspectors — and warned that removing experienced employees could create safety and service gaps. Several members noted the recent firing of inspectors general and asked whether GAO considered that practice harmful to oversight independence; Dodaro said it was "unfortunate" and that Congress should consider procedural safeguards.

Multiple lawmakers also raised specific legal issues. Representative Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) asked whether GAO would review whether pauses of appropriated funds violated the Impoundment Control Act; Dodaro said GAO had already asked the administration for its legal rationale and would act expeditiously. Dodaro also confirmed GAO would examine whether individuals with financial or corporate ties to entities affected by policy had inappropriate access or conflicts of interest.

Ending: Dodaro told the committee GAO was beginning relevant audits and ethics reviews at congressional request and would continue to provide the committee with findings. Several members said they would pursue subpoenas or further oversight if responses were incomplete.