NOTE: Before answering the questions, watch the interview with Sam Corcas and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent under "Resources" below.

1. The first paragraph of a news article should answer the questions who, what, where and when. (In this article, 1st and 2nd paragraphs). List the who, what, where and when of this news item. (NOTE: The remainder of a news article provides details on the why and/or how.)

2. a) Who is Sam Corcas?
b) What has he joined the DOGE team to do?
c) How long has he committed to work on the project? (see end of video)
d) Laura Ingram asks Corcas: What is your area of expertise that informs your ability to do this review? How does he respond?

3. What challenge do Mr. Corcas and the DOGE team face at the IRS?

4. a) When was the modernization of the IRS computer system started? When was it supposed to be completed?
(See video around 2:15)
b) What is your reaction to this information?

5. a) How does the IRS IT operations and maintenance budget compare to that of a midsize bank?
b) What does the majority of the budget go to in the IRS IT?

6. Why does Mr. Corcas say he is optimistic about being able to successfully modernize the IRS?

7. Laura Ingraham asked Corcas, "What has been the biggest surprise that you found at Department of Treasury?" What is his response?

8. What is the overall purpose of the DOGE team's work?

9. Many news reports are negative toward the work of DOGE - or news outlets ignore the positive work they are doing and especially ignore the fact that there is waste, fraud and abuse of taxpayer funds.

Toward the end of the interview, Secretary Bessent explains,

"I wanted the American people to meet Sam. We're going to bring some more DOGE people forward to hear their stories, see what's being done because the entrenched interests, the consultants, the Democrats, mainstream media - they just want to blow this project [DOGE] out of the water. It's important because this is the office of government efficiency - not elimination - not extinction.

Sam and his crew are making it more efficient to work for the American people. So what's wrong with it working better, cheaper, faster - and with more privacy?

a) Why do you think the Democrats in Congress and many in the news media generally do not support the work of DOGE?
b) Do you support President Trump's efforts through the DOGE team and federal agency heads/secretaries and to make our government more efficient? Explain your answer.

10. Based on the interview with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and DOGE software expert Sam Corcas, how confidant are you that the DOGE team will be successful in improving the IRS?
OPTIONAL: Ask a parent to watch the video and answer the same question.