Congressional Power of the Purse

Democrats Condemn Trump’s Illegal Federal Grant Freeze

Democrats are questioning the legality of a Trump-initiated freeze on federal grants, a move they see as a direct challenge to the fundamental principles of American governance. The core of their concern lies in the separation of powers enshrined in the Constitution. The power of the purse, the ability to control government spending, is explicitly granted to Congress. This isn’t a nuanced legal interpretation; it’s a foundational principle, a cornerstone of checks and balances designed to prevent executive overreach. Trump’s actions are perceived as a blatant attempt to seize this power, effectively transforming the presidency into a monarchy.

This isn’t simply a matter of disagreeing with a policy decision.… Continue reading

Democrat Warns of Trump Plot to Defund Crucial Programs

Rep. Rosa DeLauro warns that President-elect Trump’s plan to utilize impoundment—the unilateral withholding of congressionally appropriated funds—is unconstitutional and would harm vital social programs. This strategy, supported by some Republicans and advocated by Musk and Ramaswamy, directly contradicts the Constitution’s grant of “power of the purse” to Congress. Legal precedents, including the 1974 Impoundment Control Act and Supreme Court rulings, firmly establish that the president lacks this authority. DeLauro highlights the potential devastating impact on programs such as Social Security, Medicare, and other crucial services for middle- and lower-income families.

Read More