Democrats are rallying to enforce the 1974 Impoundment Control Act, fearing Trump allies and Elon Musk could replicate past funding cuts as Congress races to avoid a shutdown.
The Democrats are seeking confirmation from Republican lawmakers and the president that the funds set aside to avoid a government shutdown would be really spent by the Trump administration.
Democrats are skeptical of the president’s and his advisors’ claims that he may withhold funds that lawmakers have authorized, even though Congress has less than two weeks to reach a deal on an extension to federal spending legislation that would keep the government running.
Particularly in light of the fact that Elon Musk and his United States Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) have unilaterally reduced funding and employment opportunities, as reported by the Washington Post.
“Money is just being pilfered,” Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-CT) stated.
They want to avoid going through the agreement, getting the topline, and hammering it all out if someone comes along and upends it, since they are stealing funds that should be going to American families and businesses, DeLauro continues.
The head of Trump’s budget, Russell Vought, who was instrumental in the creation of Project 2025, has contended that a statute passed after Watergate that restricts the president’s ability to seize funds authorized by Congress is invalid. House speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) informed reporters last week that the demands put forth by Democrats constitute an egregious breach of the separation of powers and an awful example for Congress to follow.
The Democrats are aware of Johnson’s statement that it is not an option for us.
The speaker of the house also said, “So it looks like they’re in a posture right now where they’re making individual appropriations bills almost impossible. I’m really hopeful that they’ll back off those outrageous demands because it’s unprecedented and I think probably unconstitutional, and it’s not anything we’ll be a part of.”
Nevertheless, the Democrats are in a strong position to prevent a government shutdown; Republicans seem to have not come together on a spending deal that does not drastically reduce spending; and Senate Democrats have stated their intention to demand that the White House adhere to the 1974 Impoundment Control Act prior to voting on a budget deal.
“As far as I’m concerned, that’s the end of the conversation,” stated Sen. Brian Schatz (D-HI), “the law exists and the law has been upheld.”
Luis Gochoco is a seasoned managing editor and writer with over a decade of experience covering politics, technology, gaming, and entertainment news. With a keen eye for breaking stories and in-depth analysis, he has established himself as a trusted voice in digital journalism. Luis is one of the key forces behind the success of GameNGuide, contributing to 12 million views through engaging and high-traffic content. He also played a pivotal role in generating 8 million views on International Business Times, shaping the platform’s technology and gaming coverage.
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