Senate Leader Joni Ernst Demands Full Disclosure of Federal Payroll Amid “Bloated Bureaucracy” Critique

Following what she described as a “shocking report” from the group American Transparency that detailed the massive growth of the federal government and its payroll during the term of former President Joe Biden, Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) has demanded full disclosure of everyone receiving a federal paycheck.

Ernst’s plan would require a complete list of all federal employees, with the data published so Americans can see who is being paid and for what duties. The senator characterized the situation as paying for a “bloated bureaucracy,” noting that current transparency mechanisms are insufficient.

Her proposed legislation, the Where’s the Workforce At? Listed by Duties and Office (Where’s WALDO) Act, would compel the Office of Personnel Management to create an online directory showing each federal employee’s responsibilities and compensation.

“This is something currently impossible for Americans to review,” Ernst stated. “Like a twisted game of reverse Secret Santa, taxpayers are gifting paychecks to bureaucrats who remain anonymous. The American people should not be forced to play ‘Where’s Waldo?’ when it comes to figuring out where federal workers are during the workday.”

Ernst emphasized urgency, saying she would “embrace the Christmas spirit by creating a list that anyone can check twice, to clearly state where every federal employee is and how much they are being paid.”

The American Transparency report on federal bureaucracy revealed staggering figures: in 2024, the government disclosed 2.9 million workers, costing taxpayers $673,000 per minute, $40.4 million per hour, and nearly $1 billion daily. The report also showed that while the number of federal employees increased by 5%, payroll grew by 24%—nearly five times as much—as new jobs added.

Earlier this month, Ernst suggested that the Social Security Administration would do well for the country if it stopped sending benefit checks to deceased individuals. Ernst, who leads the Senate DOGE (Department of Government Efficiency) Caucus and plans to retire at the end of her term in early 2027, urged Congress to strengthen safeguards to protect taxpayer dollars.