The Subcommittee on Delivering on Government Efficiency (DOGE) held a hearing titled "Public Funds, Private Agendas: NGOs Gone Wild" to discuss the influence of nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) funded by taxpayer money. The hearing highlighted connections between these organizations, Democrat officials, and bureaucrats who manage grants and contracts.
Scott Walter, President of Capital Research Center, testified about the funding sources for many NGOs. He stated that "many NGOs—over 35,000 according to one study—receive most of their money from government, not citizens." Walter also noted that these NGOs support a political agenda favoring centralized power in Washington.
Mark Krikorian, Executive Director of the Center for Immigration Studies, discussed U.S. taxpayer funds used by United Nations organizations during the Biden administration to aid illegal immigration at the southern border. He explained that "U.S.-funded aid agencies actively promote the journey northward and prepare individuals with narratives designed to meet U.S. asylum thresholds."
Daniel Turner, Founder and Executive Director of Power the Future, criticized the Green New Deal initiatives funded through recent legislation. Turner mentioned that billions were awarded to politically connected NGOs without proper oversight.
Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.), chairwoman of DOGE, called for an end to what she described as NGO slush funds. She asserted that this would prevent wasteful spending and stop Democrats from using taxpayer resources for political agendas.
Other testimonies focused on accountability issues related to federal tax dollars sent to nonprofits. Scott Walter emphasized that there needs to be more scrutiny over how these funds are allocated.
Rep. James Comer (R-Ky.) questioned Daniel Turner about beneficiaries of funds allocated through the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund under the Biden administration's green initiatives.
The hearing included various testimonies discussing ways Congress could act against NGO practices perceived as contrary to national interests or laws.
Rep. Brandon Gill (R-Texas) challenged Diane Yentel's impartiality due to her previous social media activity supporting partisan views.
