Rand Paul: ‘We Got to Vote on It’

US Senator Rand Paul giving a passionate speech with fist raised.

(StraightShooterNews.com) – United States Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) stated that “they got to vote on it” when he spoke on behalf of GOP Senators, referring to Congress having the final say regarding government spending cuts, not Elon Musk’s DOGE.

See the tweet below.

In a closed-door meeting on Capitol Hill, senators told the billionaire that his efforts to streamline federal waste through the Department of Government Efficiency must receive congressional approval to become permanent.

Senator Paul did not mince words when addressing Musk’s apparent surprise at learning about the legislative requirements for making spending cuts permanent.

“To me, it’s ephemeral now. I love all the stuff they’re doing, but we got to vote on it. So my message to Elon was let’s get over the impoundment idea, and let’s send it back as a rescission package,” Paul stated.

The development reveals the growing tension between Trump’s innovative approach to cutting bureaucracy and constitutional requirements for spending authority.

Lawmakers emphasized that while they appreciate his efforts to identify government waste, Congress holds the power of the purse.

The meeting focused on exploring a “rescission” package, which would allow Republicans to codify DOGE’s budget cuts, potentially sidestepping the typical 60-vote threshold required in the Senate.

With DOGE aiming to save $1 trillion in federal spending this year, the stakes could not be higher for taxpayers fed up with wasteful government spending that has ballooned the national debt to unprecedented levels.

Senators reported that Musk was enthusiastic about the prospect of working through Congress to make his cuts permanent.

Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) remarked, “He was so happy,” indicating Musk’s willingness to collaborate with lawmakers.

The tech billionaire even gave senators his personal contact information, demonstrating his commitment to the cause.

This direct line of communication could prove invaluable as Republicans work to translate DOGE’s recommendations into actionable legislation that can withstand legal scrutiny and Democrat opposition.

Moreover, some GOP senators expressed concern about constituent backlash over potential federal layoffs.

Senator John Hoeven (R-ND) of North Dakota highlighted the importance of effective communication with voters: “We’re getting feedback, and we want to respond to our constituents — how do we work most effectively to do that?”

This reflects the practical political considerations facing lawmakers as they support DOGE’s mission while managing voter expectations and concerns in their home states where federal jobs can be significant economic drivers.

Meanwhile, Democrats have predictably attacked the administration for unilaterally cutting spending, which they characterize as overstepping executive authority.

These objections ring hollow from the party that routinely expanded executive power under the Biden administration and celebrated bureaucratic bloat as progress.

The left’s sudden concern for constitutional procedure appears motivated more by their opposition to smaller government than any principled stance on separation of powers, exposing the partisan double standard typical of Washington politics.

House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) has signaled openness to advancing legislation that would codify DOGE’s cuts.

“We’ll do whatever the White House requests. It’s a little premature to expect that. But that’s certainly a possibility and one that we would entertain, if it’s appropriate,” Johnson stated after a separate meeting between Musk and House Republicans.

The administration’s innovative approach to tackling Washington’s bloated bureaucracy is hitting roadblocks not because it lacks merit but because it challenges decades of establishment comfort with wasteful spending.

With a government shutdown deadline looming, President Trump has advocated for a continuing resolution to keep the government funded while DOGE continues its work.