and Vivek Ramaswamy鈥檚 Department of Government Efficiency is flying higher than a meme stock. Like the SpaceX platform catching a Falcon rocket on re-entry, the two men have captured a weary country鈥檚 imagination with a vision for an institution that could do the seemingly impossible: hold federal agencies accountable for failure, reduce profligate spending and promote productive reform.
In theory, such an institution already exists. It鈥檚 called the U.S. Congress, and the founders envisioned it as the dominant branch of government. In practice, however, many Americans don鈥檛 recognize this role for Congress because the legislative branch has systematically surrendered its constitutional authority to the executive and judiciary, especially when it comes to spending.
Enjoyed this op-ed? Subscribe to Hudson鈥檚 newsletters to stay up to date with our latest content.