Dems want answers on national security risks posed by hiring freeze, DOGE probes

Democratic lawmakers on the House Homeland Security and Senate Intelligence Committees sent letters demanding details on the Trump administration’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), citing reports of unvetted access to classified materials and critical payment systems, potential noncompliance with cybersecurity requirements (e.g., use of personal devices), and risks posed by a federal hiring freeze and buyout program to the cyber workforce. They warn of counterintelligence and security risks, request clarification on exemptions for national security roles, and set deadlines for responses, while NPR reports CISA staff received last-minute buyout offers amid ongoing legal challenges that have temporarily paused the program’s deadline.