The Democratic Congresswoman filed a Bill that requires Elon Musk, and all other Department of Government Efficiency workers (DOGE), to undergo drug tests to retain their status as “special government employees”.
Rep. Mikie Sherrill (D-NJ) introduced the legislation on Tuesday, arguing that if Musk, who her office described in a press release as having a “well-documented history of drug use”—is entrusted with highly sensitive material and taking critical administrative actions, he should follow the same drug testing policies of other executive officials.
“Donald Trump has given billionaire Elon Musk the keys to our government, and with it, access to highly sensitive information—from Treasury and Social Security data to even our most guarded military plans,” Sherrill, who is currently running for New Jersey governor, said. “Those in possession of sensitive information should be thoroughly checked, clear-eyed and use good judgment.”
She said that “Elon Musk, his DOGE employees and other executives should all be held to the exact same standards. This includes drug testing to keep their jobs or security clearances or conflicts of interests.
“In the wake of Trump’s top national security officials sharing classified information on an unsecured Signal group chat—putting our service members’ lives at risk—it’s more important than ever to protect the American people from the Trump Administration’s reckless incompetence and blatant disregard for national security.”
As the actual text isn’t available yet, it’s difficult to know how the policy of drug testing would be implemented.
The majority of drug policy reformers oppose the practice of drug testing as a requirement for employment. They argue that this creates stigmas and economically penalizes people, while drug abuse off-the-job isn’t necessarily indicative of an individual’s ability to do their job.
The proposal in this instance would, however, align with Musk’s “great idea”, which he called in February when voicing his support for the drug-testing of all federal employees. Musk’s use is well documented. Sherrill’s Office also pointed this out.
In the Sherrill bill press release, it is stated that government officials have to undergo random tests and pass drug tests as a requirement of employment. The bill ensures that government officials, who are privy to sensitive data and information about our government, follow the laws. They cannot be blackmailed over their illicit drug use.
It said that “Sherrill’s bill” would require Elon and Special Government Employees such as him to pass the same drug tests consistently in order to retain access to sensitive data.
Although the use of Schedule I drugs like marijuana by federal government workers remains prohibited under a 1986 executive order from then-President Ronald Reagan, some attorneys have suggested that, if cannabis is moved to Schedule III as is currently being considered by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), that could lift the restrictions based on how “illegal drugs” are defined under the order.
Meanwhile, Musk’s endorsement of widespread drug testing came in spite of the fact that previously gotten into hot water after puffing a marijuana joint on Joe Rogan’s podcast while owning a federally contracted aerospace company, SpaceX. (He later claimed he never actually inhaled.)
The DOGE chair has also said he feels CBD from cannabis is overhyped and “doesn’t do anything.”
In an effort to reduce government spending, DOGE announced recently that it had cancelled federal funding for a research study on the risks of cannabis usage among LGBTQ+ people, non-binary individuals and heterosexual females.
Musk and Ted Cruz, R-TX (Senator) laughed together on Ted Cruz’ podcast about the idea to boost viewership through marijuana smoking.
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