Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) said Elon Musk expressed openness to Congress voting on cuts proposed by the Department of Government Efficiency.

In an appearance on CBS News’s Face the Nation, Paul said he proposed a plan to Musk to get back $500 billion that Congress had already passed. He said Musk was enthusiastic about the plan.

“It is my personal belief we should adhere to the law as it is now, and that is, send it back and have Congress confirm it. It’s a simple majority vote. It’s called rescission. I did mention this to Elon Musk. He seemed enthusiastic. It can be done. No Democrats — you have to realize, no Democrats will cut one penny from any spending anywhere. But can we get all the Republicans, is the real question,” he said.

Paul has advocated legitimizing DOGE’s cuts by putting them through Congress. While a congressional vote would protect DOGE’s cuts from Congress, it would also put vulnerable lawmakers on record approving cuts that could be unpopular.

A recission package only requires a majority vote in the Senate and House — majorities held by the Republican Party.

Paul suggested that Trump would be needed to push Republicans to approve the cuts.

EVEN AFTER MISSTEPS AND DEMOCRATIC ATTACKS, DOGE SUPPORT IS STILL STRONG

“The president is going to have to use effectively his bully pulpit and his popularity to convince all Republicans to do it. It’s not a given that Republicans will stand, will vote for this,” he said.

The sweeping cuts implemented by DOGE have accomplished a long-held dream of Republicans, but also given Democrats a rallying cry from those laid off or had their benefits affected.