Scoop on the Current Scene
demand for repayment and Capitol Stormers in the spotlight
Armed Suspect Wanted: elusive felon believed involved in Falcone murder, still at large after thirty years
Politics Whatever happened on January 6, 2021, at the Capitol building, it seems the perpetrators aren't done making headlines. Some of the "Proud Boys" leaders are now doing time.
erroneous deportation and a return home
Politics Poor Kilmar Abrego Garcia fell victim to legal slip-ups, getting deported to El Salvador, where he landed in a dire situation. Fortunately, he's back on U.S. soil now.
supreme court's 'Doge' verdict
Politics In a 6-3 decision, the Supreme Court recently greenlit the 'Doge' committee's access to citizens' sensitive data, overturning a lower court injunction. Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson expressed concerns, while some lawmakers are rolling out legislation to protect data.
Now, let's dive deeper into the chaos surrounding the Department of Government Efficiency, aka the "Doge" committee.
The Fine Print on the Supreme Court Ruling
- Date: June 6, 2025
- Case: SSA v. AFSCME
- Vote: 6-3, Conservative majority in favor, three liberal justices dissenting.
- Implications: The Supreme Court lifted a lower court's temporary blockade on DOGE's access to non-anonymized personal data held by the Social Security Administration.
- Newfound Access: DOGE staff can now access highly sensitive information, involving Social Security numbers, medical histories, banking details, immigration records, salary information, and other data safeguarded by the Privacy Act of 1974.
- Legal Perspective: Critics argue that this access, sans mandatory safeguards and oversight, violates the Privacy Act and the Administrative Procedure Act, potentially exposing millions to data breaches.
Swirling Controversies and Concerns
- Critics' Take: Permitting DOGE access to such sensitive info without strong privacy protections raises concerns about unauthorized use, breaches, and data misuse.
- Political Players: Some lawmakers are pushing for a ban on political appointees from accessing sensitive beneficiary data. Notable Democrats are vocal in their opposition to the ruling.
- Legal Battle: The struggle is far from over, as the case will continue to be fought out in the lower courts.
Backstory and Controversy
- DOGE's Authorized Role: A contentious federal department that started with a tenure by billionaire Elon Musk (who later left the White House), DOGE focuses on streamlining government operations.
Bottom line, the Supreme Court's decision has granted DOGE unprecedented access to Americans' sensitive personal data, triggering a substantial debate over government overreach and data security. Buckle up, folks; it's going to be a bumpy ride!
- In the ongoing debate over government policy-and-legislation, the Supreme Court's 'Doge' verdict has sparked controversy, granting the Department of Government Efficiency, also known as the "Doge" committee, access to highly sensitive personal data.
- As a result of this decision, politics might see new legislation aimed at protecting citizens' data, with notable Democrats pushing for a ban on political appointees from accessing sensitive beneficiary data.
