Russell Vought, President-elect Donald Trump’s choice for White House budget director, reaffirmed his endorsement of the president’s contentious stance toward federal spending Wednesday during a sometimes contentious Senate confirmation hearing. A former head of the Office of Management and Budget in Trump’s first administration, Mr. Vought said he continues to believe the so-called “impoundment” law that bars the president from withholding funds Congress has appropriated without its permission is unconstitutional.
Vought’s comments come at a time when the Trump administration is facing increasing criticism over its handling of government spending, especially after his role in freezing aid to Ukraine and Puerto Rico during his first term. Senators from both parties have expressed their concerns over the implications of Trump’s stance, with some questioning whether Vought would ensure that federal funds are spent as Congress intended.
The essence of the matter here is that Trump believes presidents have the power to spend less than Congress appropriates, especially when such a move could help avoid waste, fraud, and abuse. Vought refused to pledge to abide by all spending decisions made by Congress, though he said he would “uphold the law of the land.
At his confirmation hearing before the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, Vought said Trump believes the law limits the president’s power to withhold appropriated funds, making efficient governance difficult. “For 200 years, presidents could spend less than an appropriation if they could do it for less,” Vought said. He also explained that such flexibility can rectify inefficiencies in government spending.
Despite these assertions, Vought failed to articulate how he would address the problem if confirmed. When asked if he would ensure that federal funds are spent as Congress intends, Vought largely punted to the incoming administration’s future approach.
Senator Gary Peters, D-Mich., asked whether bipartisan agreements would be possible if the Trump administration continued to disregard Congress’ role in funding decisions. Even some Republican senators, including Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., voiced concerns that the president’s stance could undermine the balance of power between the executive and legislative branches.
Vought however stuck to the cause of devotion to the agenda of the president, mentioning that he would serve Trump’s policy agendas when confirmed for leading the OMB.
