Democratic lawmakers grilled President Donald Trump’s pick to lead the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), Russell Vought, on a series of issues, including abortion and the constitutionality of the Impoundment Control Act.
Vought, who served as Trump’s OMB director during his first term, faced tough questioning on whether he believes the Impoundment Control Act is unconstitutional, an issue that Democrats claim should disqualify him from leading the OMB. Vought has previously stated that he believes the law, adopted in 1974, is unconstitutional because presidents have historically been able to spend less than what Congress has approved.
During the confirmation hearing, Vought defended his previous statements, saying that he believes the executive branch cannot impound funds without congressional oversight. He pointed to a 1975 Supreme Court case, Train v. City of New York, which ruled that the Environmental Protection Agency must use full funding included in the Federal Water Pollution Control Act Amendments of 1972, even if then-President Richard Nixon issued orders not to use all the funding.
Lawmakers, including Senate Budget Committee ranking member Jeff Merkley, have expressed concerns about Vought’s views on the Impoundment Control Act, citing the Supreme Court’s ruling and the 2019 decision by the Office of Management and Budget to hold up $214 million in military aid for Ukraine, which ultimately led to Trump’s first impeachment.
Vought also faced questioning on his views on abortion, having been an author of a political initiative that called for a national ban on abortion medication and the elimination of the Department of Education. When asked if he believes there should be exceptions for rape, incest, or the life of the mother, he replied, “Senator, my views are not important. I’m here on behalf of the president.”
Senator Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., pressed Vought on whether healthcare is a “human right,” and Vought declined to disclose specifics, saying that it is critical to provide “legitimate, evidence-based outcomes for people within the healthcare system.”
Vought has also been criticized by Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, who has labeled him an “ultra-right” ideologue.
The OMB is responsible for developing and executing the president’s budget, as well as overseeing and coordinating legislative proposals and priorities aligned with the executive branch. Trump’s pick for OMB director faces a key test on Capitol Hill, with the Senate Budget Committee set to hold a markup hearing on his nomination.
