Republicans condemn OMB chief Vought for withholding congressionally approved funds

Republican members of Congress allege that OMB Director Russell Vought is acting independently to prevent the release of funds that have been authorized by legislative appropriations. They cite the Constitution’s Article I requirement that Treasury money be drawn only after Congress passes an appropriations law, and contend that Vought’s moves breach this principle. According to reports, Vought has leveraged every tool at his disposal, including a “pocket rescission,” to halt payments to programs such as the CDC’s Alzheimer’s initiative and other health-related efforts fully funded by Congress.

He has also pushed for a new rule that would give his office broad authority to withhold grants that do not align with the president’s policy goals. The Senate recently approved a temporary budget bill designed to limit Vought’s control over federal grants, and the House is poised to pass similar language to keep the government funded ahead of the election. Lawmakers view this as a rare instance of Congress reasserting its spending power after a period of executive dominance.