U.S. Sen. Katie Britt (R-Montgomery) says the story of an Alabama man suing the government after a delay in retirement benefits "ruined his life" is an example of why Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) efforts are important.
Angelo Fermo, of Daphne, told 1819 News his retirement after 20 years as a Homeland Security special agent was riddled with errors, forcing him into debt.
"This is yet another example of how our out-of-control administrative state is harming Alabamians and wasting taxpayer dollars," Britt responded. "Unelected bureaucrats should be held responsible – thankfully, President Trump is committed to this mission."
A Democrat judge issued a temporary restraining order in DOGE's effort to "clean up" the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), which processes retirement applications by hand in an underground mine.
U.S. District Judge Deborah Boardman in Maryland ruled DOGE affiliates should not be allowed to access federal employees' personal information.
"This continuing, unauthorized disclosure of the plaintiffs' sensitive personal information to DOGE affiliates is irreparable harm that money damages cannot rectify," wrote Boardman.
Britt said she will continue to support the Trump administration's efforts to get rid of waste.
"America's bureaucracy is in desperate need of reform and as President Trump fulfills his mandate to accomplish this goal, I'll continue to fight alongside him to ensure Alabamians have a responsible, responsive government that truly serves their needs," she said.
Boardman, who was appointed by former President Joe Biden, also issued a temporary restraining order halting efforts to look into the Department of Education.
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email erica.thomas@1819news.com.
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