Conservatives express concern that Congress may lack the resolve to implement a spending overhaul following DOGE discussions.

Next year, Republicans have grand plans for reducing expenditures, but some Republican legislators are expressing uncertainty about Congress's ability to achieve substantial modifications.

On Thursday, Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy, who President-elect Trump appointed to lead the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), met with lawmakers on Capitol Hill to discuss ways to reduce spending and the national debt.

While the advisory panel is focused on Trump's executive actions, lawmakers acknowledge that lasting change requires legislation. However, some Republicans are uncertain about achieving it.

Rep. Tim Burchett, R-Tenn., stated that the issue lies in the room where other GOP lawmakers met with Musk and Ramaswamy.

Despite appearing tough, these guys did not vote in a manner that demonstrated their commitment to reducing spending.

""Is it going to start just because Elon and Vivek address us?" Burchett asked, expressing concern about losing steam and the need for accountability."

During a brainstorming session with Republicans and the DOGE duo, Rep. Dan Bishop, R-N.C., stated that "a lot of members" proposed ways to "save money."

Bishop remarked that one would expect more individuals to have been willing to vote and cast their ballots on the House floor in order to accomplish those tasks earlier.

The ongoing debates over DOGE have reignited old divisions among House GOP members, who have been at odds over fiscal matters since the 118th Congress.

The national debt recently surpassed $36 trillion.

The senior House GOP aide expressed optimism about the new goal, but noted that Musk and Ramaswamy were taking bold risks.

I believe Congress is responsible for doing the actual cutting once the necessary materials are found, according to the aide.

Another senior GOP aide stated that the mission of DOGE is important and necessary, but there will be no significant changes. The GOP will not reduce spending to fix their fiscal situation and will not significantly cut waste.

At the Republican meeting on Thursday, Rep. Chip Roy, R-Texas, expressed his skepticism and urged his colleagues to "develop some backbone" in order to implement significant spending reductions.

Roy posed a question to his colleagues, asking them what they would do if printing money was banned and they couldn't afford their usual expenses. They would adjust their spending habits and prioritize their needs, such as not taking a vacation or buying a fancy new car. Roy shared this conversation with Larry O'Connor on WMAL radio.

"Until we do both, all of the DOGE waste-cutting in the world won't help. We need Congress to grow a spine."

Some Republicans are skeptical of having Musk and Ramaswamy lead the charge.

One GOP lawmaker, who spoke anonymously to Planet Chronicle Digital, revealed that during Thursday's meeting, they had no game plan and only a wish list that they planned to give to Santa and the American people, which would never be accomplished.

The GOP lawmaker stated that DOGE is a "fictional agency created without any foundation," and emphasized that its logo was heavily influenced by the cryptocurrency "dogecoin," which Musk has endorsed.

The lawmaker stated, "Members of Congress who know how to do their job will be a brick wall for them."