On November 27, news reported that Iowa Senator Joni Ernst recently wrote to leaders of the U.S. Government Efficiency Department, Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy, proposing ideas for budget cuts. Ernst's suggestions included addressing unused office space and uncommitted COVID-19 relief spending, with proposed cuts totaling over $2 trillion. (Daily Signal) Previously, it was reported that Iowa Senator and Republican Joni Ernst would lead the U.S. Senate Government Efficiency Department (DOGE) caucus.