A new proposal from the White House budget office is drawing sharp criticism from Republican appropriators, who argue the plan sidesteps congressional authority over federal spending and threatens to upend delicate negotiations ahead of a possible fall shutdown, Politico reported Friday.
At the center of the controversy is White House budget director Russ Vought, whose already tense relationship with GOP appropriators has taken another hit following his renewed push for so-called “pocket rescissions." Critics say this tactic encroaches on Congress’ constitutional power of the purse, per the report.
If Congress takes no action, the administration would withhold the funds until the fiscal clock runs out, effectively letting them expire.
“Pocket rescissions are illegal, in my judgment,” Senate Appropriations Committee Chair Susan Collins (R-Maine) told Politico.
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He added: “And contradict the will of Congress and the constitutional authority of Congress to appropriate funds.”
Vought, a staunch advocate of cutting federal expenditures, has described the maneuver as a legitimate executive tool.
“It’s a bad idea,” Rep. Mike Simpson (R-Idaho), who chairs the appropriations subcommittee overseeing the Interior Department and EPA, told Politico.
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“It undermines Congress’ authority.” He added last month that he believes “it’s illegal” for the White House to withhold congressionally approved funds.
With less than four months before the end of the fiscal year and a potential government shutdown looming, the increasingly combative stance from the budget office is widening the rift between congressional Republicans and the Trump administration. This stalemate comes at a time when unity is critical to keeping the government funded, the report noted.