Senator Susan Collins reflects on the importance of the Congressional Budget and Impoundment Control Act from 1974, which reinforced Congress's control over budget allocations. This conversation comes as tensions rise between lawmakers and the Trump administration, particularly after Russell T. Vought's confirmation as OMB director, who claims the budget act is unconstitutional. This stance challenges Congress's authority, causing significant concern among both Democratic and some Republican senators. The controversy arises in the context of potential suspension of trillions in federal spending for executive review, altering established budgetary practices.
The disagreement is spurring the uproar over Mr. Trump's move to suspend trillions of dollars in federal spending while the executive branch reviews it to determine whether it complies with the his newly issued policy dictates.
Ms. Collins described the Congressional Budget and Impoundment Control Act as essential to emphasizing Congress's power of the purse, which is fundamental under the Constitution.
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