Mike Johnson plans to slash 75 percent of federal agencies, igniting a government revolution
- House Speaker Mike Johnson aims to reduce the number of federal agencies drastically.
- The plan to cut funding for programs like PBS and Planned Parenthood is also a priority.
- Johnson's efforts could fundamentally reshape the federal government's size and influence.
In the United States, House Speaker Mike Johnson has revealed his ambition to significantly reduce the number of federal agencies, aiming to slash them from 428 to just 99. He plans to accomplish this with the help of Elon Musk's new initiative called the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). In an interview with Fox News, Johnson indicated that he hopes to finalize this significant reorganization and streamline government functions early next year, as part of an overall strategy to diminish the size and influence of the federal government. This plan aligns with the broader Republican agenda of reducing federal oversight and regulations that have been perceived as hindering small businesses and industries. Johnson has indicated that in addition to agency reductions, he intends to eliminate funding for programs such as PBS and Planned Parenthood. His assertion underscores a commitment to reshape government spending priorities, reflecting the sentiments of a conservative base that has grown increasingly frustrated with what they perceive as government overreach. Johnson affirmed that their goal is to relinquish control from a government deemed overly powerful, where agencies act autonomously without proper congressional approval. The effort to redefine the structure of federal agencies is not merely a political stance but part of a larger strategy supported by significant figures within the Republican party, including President Donald Trump and others who advocate for a smaller government footprint. Johnson highlighted the necessity of building consensus within Congress to pass comprehensive legislation that would enable these reforms, albeit acknowledging that some measures can be initiated through executive orders by the president. Meanwhile, Musk and former GOP presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy, who will head DOGE, are expected to meet with legislators to discuss the specifics of implementing these substantial cuts. Previous attempts to reduce government size have faced public backlash, as millions rely on various federal programs for essential services. Therefore, while Johnson's intent reflects a decisive shift in federal policy, it remains to be seen how these ambitious plans will be received by the broader American public, especially those wary of potential repercussions from cutting goverment services.