In a striking parallel to a historical crisis over government efficiency, lawmakers are once again pushing for significant reforms within the federal bureaucracy, this time inspired by the modern challenges of the digital age. The year was 1887 when Congress, frustrated by a sluggish and outdated government system, initiated a series of investigations that ultimately led to vital changes. Today, a similar urgency is emerging as Elon Musk’s initiative, the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), seeks to address inefficiencies in contemporary government operations.
The late 19th century saw Congress grappling with accusations of inefficiency and corruption, prompting at least 63 investigations into various issues. These inquiries often relied on information voluntarily provided by bureaucrats, leaving many systemic issues hidden from view. Complaints from the public indicated deeper problems, yet the true extent of bureaucratic failures remained largely unexamined until the formation of the Cockrell Committee by Senator Francis Cockrell.
The Cockrell Committee took an innovative approach by directly observing government operations. Members selected eight representative tasks, such as processing payments and managing purchases, to witness firsthand the bureaucratic processes at play. They scrutinized how documents were handled and the technology employed, revealing shocking inefficiencies. For instance, a simple request from the Army to hire two riverboat pilots required 76 clerical actions and 94 separate deliveries, while the Army needed an astonishing 22,000 documents to pay a small office. Such revelations prompted calls for modernization, including the introduction of typewriters in government offices.
Fast forward to today, and the need for reform is echoed in Musk’s DOGE initiative, which aims to modernize government technology. However, the small size of the DOGE team limits its ability to conduct comprehensive investigations. Lawmakers are encouraged to step in, drawing lessons from the Cockrell Committee’s historic findings. By observing government operations, Congress could uncover outdated practices and technologies, much like the discoveries made in the 1880s that galvanized public support for reform.
Investigations can also expose not just inefficiencies but outright dishonesty within government agencies. The Cockrell Committee uncovered severe lapses in compliance, such as the failure of agencies to maintain legally required records. Similar issues persist today, with DOGE aiming to shine a light on questionable practices across various departments, including potential fraud at USAID.
Moreover, the investigations of the past highlighted how Congress itself contributed to bureaucratic dysfunction through cumbersome legal requirements. The Cockrell Committee found that agencies were often hamstrung by nonsensical laws, such as the inability to dispose of unnecessary records. This led to the passage of the Useless Papers Act, which allowed agencies to streamline their operations. Today, outdated laws like the Paperwork Reduction Act continue to hinder agencies from effectively gathering public feedback, underscoring the need for legislative reform.
As Congress contemplates its role in the modernization of government, the lessons of the past are clear. By conducting thorough investigations, lawmakers can identify bureaucratic inefficiencies, reveal dishonest practices, and reassess the impact of their own laws on government operations. The success of Musk’s DOGE initiative may depend significantly on the support and insights that Congress can provide, echoing the collaborative spirit that drove reforms in the 1880s. The time for action is now, as officials strive to create a more efficient and accountable government for the digital age.