The much-discussed Doge dividend may be getting closer to fruition, as reports suggest a bill containing the proposal is currently in the works.
Notable figures like Elon Musk and Donald Trump are interested in converting a part of savings from the Department of Government Efficiency into a one-off payment.
The concept was originally presented by investor James Fishback, who proposed that 20% of the savings generated by Doge could be allocated for the payments.
His calculations were based on Musk’s goal to save $2 trillion, detailed in his paper .
Fishback noted that 20% of the savings could amount to $400 billion, allowing for payments to be distributed to 79 million taxpaying households.
This would translate to a check of $5,000 each.
He informed The New York Post that “The proposed bill will be coming in the next few days.”
In his plan, Fishback suggested that the checks could be issued after July 2026, when Doge is expected to conclude.
However, he indicated to the Post that payments could be expedited if the Doge dividend is solidified into law.
Currently, Doge claims to have saved $65 billion, according to its savings calculator .
Opponents of Fishback’s proposal have raised concerns that any payments might trigger inflation.
Experts pointed out that the stimulus checks distributed during the pandemic had significant effects.
Nonetheless, Fishback maintained that any Doge payments would be entirely supported by the savings.
Furthermore, the checks would be issued exclusively to taxpaying households.
This implies that not all Americans would receive a check if one were to be implemented.
Currently, lawmakers on Capitol Hill are divided on the notion of a Doge dividend.
Mike Johnson, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, remarked that a stimulus check could be politically advantageous for the GOP.
“However, reflecting on our core values, fiscal responsibility is paramount for us as conservatives,” he told attendees at CPAC.
“We are facing a $36 trillion federal debt.
“We have a significant deficit to consider. It’s essential that we manage our expenses effectively, right?”
Johnson reportedly reacted with skepticism at the idea of a Doge check when it received positive responses, according to USA Today.
POLITICAL SUPPORT
Trump has expressed that the idea of a check is “great,” while Musk indicated he would discuss the proposal with the president when it was initially presented to him.
“It involves reallocating funds from initiatives that harm the country and from organizations that oppose us,” Musk mentioned to supporters at CPAC.
Polling by JL Partners showed that seven out of ten Americans support a Doge dividend.
Six out of ten Democrats believe that politicians in Washington have mismanaged taxpayer funds.
Additionally, a majority think that the prospect of a payment would motivate citizens to report wasteful spending.
Reporting such waste is one of the advantages mentioned by Fishback in his initial proposal.
