Senator Bernie Sanders, an Independent from Vermont and the Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP), has called for a formal investigation into the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). He also seeks a subpoena for Elon Musk to testify about his involvement in running the federal government.
In prepared remarks, Sanders expressed strong opposition to President Trump’s Deputy Secretary of Labor nominee, Keith Sonderling. However, he emphasized that it does not matter who assumes that position or becomes the next Commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration. “I think everybody on this committee and the people of America understand who is running the government,” Sanders stated. “The person who is running the government right now is Elon Musk.”
Sanders accused Musk of dismantling the U.S. government with President Trump’s support. He highlighted reports of 80,000 employees at Veterans Affairs being terminated and reductions in Social Security staff. According to Sanders, Musk has directed various departments to fire employees, hand over confidential data, and defy judicial orders.
“Mr. Chairman, if we are serious about exercising our constitutional responsibilities… it is critical for our committee to hear from the person who is in fact in charge of the federal government,” Sanders urged.
He referenced a private meeting between Musk and Republican senators and noted that Musk plans similar meetings with House Republicans. The Washington Post reported that Musk shared his cell phone number with Republican senators to improve communication.
Sanders emphasized constituents’ desire for transparency regarding federal operations. “My constituents in Vermont and constituents all over this country want to know what the hell is going on with the federal government right now,” he said.
To address these concerns, Sanders proposed a motion under Senate Rules 25 and 26, as well as Rule 17 of HELP’s Rules of Procedure. This motion would authorize an investigation into DOGE’s actions within agencies under HELP’s jurisdiction and subpoena Elon Musk for testimony.
“I ask for the yeas and nays,” Sanders concluded his statement.
