Roger Marshall knows full well how extensive the damage caused by DOGE cuts was for Kansas. Marshall championed DOGE’s hack-and-slash approach to gutting federal programs that Kansas farmers and consumers rely on. He voted repeatedly to codify DOGE cuts and even cofounded the Senate DOGE Caucus. All this as farmers lost protections, Kansans lost jobs by the thousands, and veterans saw their healthcare endangered. No wonder Roger Marshall keeps running away from his rightfully-frustrated constituents. He has no good answers for his bad deeds.
Marshall Was A Founding Member Of The Senate DOGE Caucus. According to a press release from Sen. Marshall, “U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. will be a key founding member of the Senate Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) Caucus, which will work closely with President Trump’s newly formed DOGE led by Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy. ‘The Federal Government’s waste, fraud, and abuse has left America as a shell of what she once was, and in a historic national debt crisis,’ Senator Marshall said. ‘The American people gave us a mandate. They are tired of the status quo bureaucracy that strangles businesses in unnecessary regulations, abuses taxpayer monies on pet projects and beltway priorities over the heartland’s needs, all while facing ZERO transparency or accountability for its gross mismanagement. Enough is enough; it’s past time for three letter agencies and unelected D.C. bureaucrats to come down to reality and remember “We the People” sign their checks. DOGE has our work cut out for us, but it’s honorable work that will restore power back to the American people.’ [Press Release – Sen. Marshall, 12/3/24]
Marshall Claimed That DOGE Was “Restoring Accountability” And Redirecting The Federal Government “Back On The Path To Serving The American People.” According to a press release from Sen. Marshall, “‘Enough is enough. It’s time for federal agencies and unelected bureaucrats to remember that we, the people, sign their checks, and that DOGE is absolutely committed to restoring accountability and putting the federal government back on the path to serving the American people. These solutions will give beltway bureaucrats the fits – it’ll give them heartburn – but these reforms will finally put the federal government on notice and on a path to start working like a business.’ ‘DOGE is going to help us identify and prioritize the waste, the fraud, the mismanagement, but it’s up to Congress to put their gloves on, roll up their sleeves, and get the work done.’” [Press Release – Sen. Marshall, 1/8/25]
[VIDEO] Marshall Wanted DOGE Efforts To Continue. “Marshall: I think the DOGE is set up that it can, it can proceed. I think that they need to continue to, to figure out where we're wasting money. So in the last four years, over a trillion dollars of improper payments were made by the federal government, a lot of them in Medicare and Social Security, which makes sense since they're each a trillion dollars, trillion dollars each, as well. The Government Accounting Office. And that's, that's their number. That's not a DOGE number. That's not a Roger Marshall number. So DOGE needs to keep doing it’s job. And then I look at Congress, we need to do our job.” [Better Bad Ideas with Sean O’Brien, 5/21/25]
2025: Marshall Voted Against Prohibiting Funding In The FY 2025 Full-Year Continuing Appropriations Bill From Being Used By the Department Of Government Efficiency. In March 2025, Marshall voted against, according to Congressional Quarterly, “amendment no. 1272 that would prevent any funds appropriated and any authority granted under the bill from being used by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) or any related or successor organizations.” The vote was on the amendment. The underlying legislation was the FY 2025 full-year continuing appropriations bill. The Senate rejected the amendment by a vote of 48 to 52. [Senate Vote 131, 3/14/25; Congressional Quarterly, 3/14/25; Congressional Actions, S.Amdt.1272; Congressional Actions, H.R. 1968]
2025: Marshall Voted For The FY 2025 Rescissions Package That Rescinded $7.9 Billion In Foreign Aid And $1.1 Billion In Public Broadcasting Funding. In July 2025, Marshall voted for, according to Congressional Quarterly, “the bill that would rescind a total of $9 billion in previously appropriated funding — including $7.9 billion in foreign aid and $1.1 billion provided for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, which funds National Public Radio and the Public Broadcasting Service. As amended, it would cancel $500 million in foreign aid appropriated for programs related to child and maternal health, reproductive health, and infectious diseases. It would require that none of that rescinded funding would impact funds devoted to HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria, nutrition or maternal and child health. It would cancel $800 million from migration and refugee assistance accounts; $361 million from international peacekeeping operations; $2.5 billion from a general development assistance account; as well as $169 million in rescissions to funding for various international organizations, including the United Nations and the World Health Organization. As amended, it would maintain aid for Jordan, Egypt and a fund that would counter Chinese government influence as part of a bill provision that would rescind $1.65 billion of economic support funds.” The vote was on passage. The Senate passed the bill by a vote of 51 to 48. [Senate Vote 411, 7/17/25; Congressional Quarterly, 7/17/25; Congressional Actions, H.R. 4]
2025: Marshall Voted To Confirm Frank Bisignano As A Commissioner Of The Social Security Administration. In May 2025, Marshall voted for, according to Congressional Quarterly, the “confirmation of President Donald Trump’s nomination of Frank Bisignano to be commissioner of the Social Security Administration.” The vote was on confirmation. The Senate confirmed Bisignano by a vote of 53 to 47. [Senate Vote 234, 5/6/25; Congressional Quarterly, 5/6/25; Congressional Actions, PN 20]
Marshall Was “Proud” To Introduce The Delivering On Government Efficiency (DOGE) In Spending Act, A Bill To Codify Some Of DOGE’s Cuts. According to a press release from Sen. Marshall, “U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas) recently helped introduce the Delivering on Government Efficiency (DOGE) in Spending Act, which would codify some of the Department of Government Efficiency’s (DOGE) cost-saving actions. To date, DOGE has eliminated more than $180 billion in federal spending. That means more than $1,118 in savings for each Kansas taxpayer. Specifically, it would require the Department of the Treasury to have a description of the payment, link it to a budget account, and cross-check the payment against government databases to ensure accuracy and eligibility. In addition, every expenditure will be made public on the USAspending.gov website, with annual updates for ongoing transactions. ‘Kansans expect their government to be accountable and responsible when it comes to spending Americans’ hard-earned tax dollars,’ said Senator Marshall. ‘The DOGE in Spending Act will help bring discipline to Washington by making sure federal payments are verified and traceable before going out the door. I’m proud to support this effort to fight waste, fraud, and abuse.’” [Press Release – Sen. Marshall, 6/9/25]
Kansas Lost Nearly One Third Of Its USDA Staff, The Largest Percentage In The Region. According to Wisconsin Public Radio, “In the central U.S., Kansas lost 32 percent of its USDA staff. That’s more than 500 positions, and the largest percentage in the region. Levendofsky with the Kansas Farmers Union said farmers had been struggling with an understaffed USDA since the Obama administration. The Biden administration hired new staff members, but many of those newer positions were removed through DOGE initiatives.” [Wisconsin Public Radio, 3/11/26]
The USDA Farm Service Agency In Kansas Lost A Quarter Of Staff, Harming Kansas Farmers In Need Of Assistance. According to Wisconsin Public Radio, “The USDA Farm Service Agency provides financial assistance to farmers. Their staff helps farmers sign up for federal programs, disaster relief, crop insurance or low-interest loans. In just over a year, Kansas lost about a quarter of its FSA staff, according to the federal data. Levendofsky said the loss of the agency’s staff leaves struggling farmers waiting for assistance.” [Wisconsin Public Radio, 3/11/26]
DOGE Cuts Eliminated Jobs At A Kansas Facility To Monitor Animal Disease Threats For Farmers And Consumers. According to KSHB, “Roughly a dozen employees were let go this month at the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility in Manhattan, Kansas, as part of the ongoing reduction of the federal workforce. The United States Department of Agriculture describes the facility as a ‘national asset that will help protect the nation’s agriculture, farmers and citizens against the threat and potential impact of serious animal diseases.’” [KSHB, 2/20/25]
DOGE Cuts Deprived Kansas Of $3.8 Million By Cutting In-State Leases For Federal Agencies. According to KSNT, “The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has cut three new federal agency leases for Topeka after the local Risk Management Agency was canceled. Three new agencies are now listed on the DOGE Real Estate savings webpage. Those agencies are: the Federal Highway Administration, the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service and the Rural Housing Service. In total, DOGE claims to have saved over $3.8 million by cutting leases for federal agencies in Kansas.” [KSNT, 3/7/25]
Kansas Agriculture Leaders Were “Concerned” About DOGE Cuts Hurting Farmers. According to The Topeka Capital Journal, “Kansas Farm Bureau president Joe Newland is ‘concerned’ about the impact on farmers from funding freezes, federal job cuts and office closures by President Donald Trump's Department of Government Efficiency. […] ‘We know that there are some offices — an office in Lawrence, an office in Topeka — that (are) going to be closed,’ Newland said. ‘We don't know what the long-term effect of that will be.’ […] ‘So we're just going to have to see what the long-term effect of this is. But in the short term, yeah, we're concerned about the layoffs and all, not only with the USDA offices, but with NBAF. We've got large concerns throughout agriculture, and we want to make sure we maintain a strong staff in all of these areas to make sure that agriculture stays strong.’” [Topeka Capital Journal, 3/7/25]
DOGE Cut 2,800 Federal Jobs In Kansas City And Thousands More Throughout Kansas. According to KCUR, “The workers lost their jobs as part of the president’s promised federal workforce reduction effort. Experts say the impact will be far-reaching for the region’s economy and for people who rely on federal services. […] When DOGE got to work on Jan. 20, 2025 – Inauguration Day – Missouri’s federal workforce amounted to 29,925 and Kansas’ numbered 11,287. Between Day One of the Trump administration and November 2025, the DOGE cuts reduced Missouri’s federal workforce by 13% and Kansas’ by 15%. Data from the Bureau of Labor shows the Kansas City metro lost about 2,800 federal jobs, or about 10% of the area’s federal workforce.” [KCUR, 1/21/26]
Kansas City Was Slated To Lose Out On $1 Billion In Buying Power Annually Due To The DOGE Cuts. According to KCUR, “With the loss of 2,800 mostly well-paying jobs, Lenk said, will come ripple effects for other Kansas Citians. For one thing, losing the buying power of so many people will mean a loss of about $900 million in the economy over the course of one year. And, he said, for every federal job that’s gone, about one-and-a-half jobs could be lost from other economic sectors. ‘When that income leaves the region, then there’s not as much spending on groceries and entertainment,’ Lenk said. ‘There’s not as much spending on other services like health care and financial services. And so the entire economy suffers a loss.’” [KCUR, 1/21/26]
DOGE Cuts Delayed Disability Benefit Claims For Kansans. According to KCUR, “Chandler McGinnis is a Kansas City-based Social Security Administration employee who answers the customer contact number, speaking to callers about their disability benefits, Social Security checks and other matters. ‘Claims that should take 30 to 60 days are now taking seven months, sometimes 11 months.’ she told a KCUR reporter in November 2025. People asked her, ‘Am I going to die before you ever decide on my claim?’ ‘I’m not the person that decides on their claim,’ McGinnis said. ‘But having to have that conversation with them is difficult because I don’t have an answer.’” [KCUR, 1/21/26]
Marshall Denied Responsibility For Screwworm Infesting Livestock, Even Though He Supported DOGE Cuts To Government Agencies Responsible For Monitoring Against Such Outbreaks. According to the Kansas Reflector, “U.S. Sen. Roger Marshall of Kansas responded to screwworm infestation of livestock by blaming former President Joe Biden for allowing immigrants to carry the parasite into the United States ‘maybe on their flesh.’ […] Lauren Fitzgerald, spokeswoman for the Kansas Coalition for Common Sense, said one-fourth of U.S. Department of Agriculture employees in the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, or APHIS, were forced out last year through budget cuts ordered by Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE. APHIS serves as the nation’s primary defense against livestock disease outbreaks. She said Marshall was among lawmakers who applauded DOGE cuts, which included programs dedicated to monitoring screwworm in Mexico and Central America. ‘Roger Marshall wants Kansans to believe he’s leading the fight against the screwworm, but he supported the very cuts that gutted USDA’s ability to protect Kansas ranchers,’ Fitzgerald said.” [Kansas Reflector, 6/9/26]
DOGE Cuts Deprived The Kansas Department Of Health And Environment Of A $1 Million Grant To Address Food Insecurity In Rural Kansas Communities. According to The Topeka Capital-Journal, “The Kansas Department of Health and Environment has lost another federal grant due to cancellations by the Department of Government Efficiency. The DOGE ‘savings’ website shows an Environmental Protection Agency grant to KDHE for $1 million was canceled May 7. DOGE claims a savings of $957,738. Jill Bronaugh, a KDHE spokesperson, said the agency was ‘formally notified of the abrupt termination’ on May 7. ‘This unexpected action taken by the Trump administration, which does not allow for the recovery of previously committed funds, has had an immediate and significant impact on KDHE's ability to carry out vital public health work directly benefiting Kansans in rural communities,’ Bronaugh said in a May 21 email. […] ‘The abrupt termination of this funding has had a significant impact on vulnerable Kansans who rely on these services to feed themselves and their families,’ she said. ‘The loss of federal funds due to the Trump administration's mass cuts severely hurts KDHE's ongoing efforts and jeopardizes future work addressing food insecurity, specifically in rural communities.’” [Topeka Capital-Journal, 5/22/25]
DOGE Cuts Caused Forecasting Blind-Spots That Led To Two Kansas Tornadoes Going Unpredicted. According to Forbes, “The root cause is Elon Musk’s DOGE program, which in early 2025 slashed jobs, budgets and programs in a Red Wedding massacre across all federal agencies. At the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), which houses the National Weather Service and is responsible for providing crucial intel about weather and climate patterns, it began with a 10% budget cut and the elimination of about 17% of staff, totalling about 2,500 people. […] Already, forecasters have been caught by surprise. In central Kansas, no one predicted two tornadoes that hit the region this past spring, apparently due to staffing shortages.” [Forbes, 8/17/26]
Kansas Veterans Protested DOGE Cuts To The VA Job Force. According to WIBW, “Veterans marched outside the Kansas Statehouse in protest of the Trump administration’s plans to cut about 72,000 jobs from the Department of Veterans Affairs. These changes come as part of the Department of Government Efficiency’s (D.O.G.E.) efforts to downsize the federal government. Veterans spoke out against federal leaders like Elon Musk, the head of D.O.G.E, saying the government has let them down and that they deserve better.” [WIBW, 3/14/25]
Kansas Veterans Were “Angry” And “Not Very Proud Of Our Government” Following Announcements Of VA Cuts. According to WIBW, “‘I want to be proud of America again,’ Vietnam veteran Helene Marcoux said. ‘I’m not very proud of our government right now.’ U.S. Secretary of Veterans Affairs Doug Collins said the changes will help the VA serve its members more efficiently, but Topeka veterans say that’s not how they see it. ‘I’m very happy with the treatment I’ve been receiving by the VA,’ Vietnam veteran Terrence Stephenson said. ‘They’re doing a great job and we just need to keep them.’ ‘Our veterans fight for our country,’ Lynda McClelland, a wife of a veteran, said. ‘To take benefits from them, to take away Medicare, to take it away from people that need help, it makes me angry.’” [WIBW, 3/14/25]
Kansas Town Hall Attendees Booed Marshall As He Fled The Event After Failing To Speak On Concerns About Veterans. According to KSN, “‘I support the veterans. What you’re doing right now, what the government is doing right now, as far as cutting out those jobs, a huge percent of those people — and I know that you care about the veterans — are veterans. And that is a damn shame. That is a damn shame.’ Another man can be heard saying, ‘I’m not a Democrat, but I’m worried about the veterans,’ as several people applaud. ‘Well, I yielded to one my elders, and I appreciate his comments,’ Marshall responded. ‘I think it’s a great. I’m not going to. We don’t have time for everyone to stand up. I do got two more commitments today. I appreciate everybody making the drive out, and God bless America. Thank you.’ Marshall then walked out of the room as people yelled and booed, and some called him a coward.” [KSN, 3/1/25]