In a move reshaping Washington’s balance of power, President Donald Trump has weaponized an obscure budget tool, using the so-called “pocket rescission” to claw back billions approved by Congress and sideline lawmakers from decisions over federal spending. Even some Republicans have warned that Trump’s campaign to consolidate control of the nation’s purse strings could leave Congress permanently weakened.
And on Monday, The Washington Post reported that Trump's consolidation of budget authority has left “long-lasting” consequences for what was meant to be an equal branch of government.
“It is an absolute threat to Congress’s power of the purse,” said Republican Robert Shea, former senior official in the White House budget office. “I come from a time when the administration feared the repercussions of crossing appropriators. That time has passed.”
Former Rep. Fred Upton (R-MI) told the Post, “The administration is taking all the reins and Congress doesn’t really have a say on anything. No one’s putting their hand up to say ‘stop.’ It’s just happening.”
According to the report, this move could permanently shift the balance of power from Congress to the executive branch in terms of controlling the budget process.
Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME), the powerful chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, has been vocal in her concern. However, since the White House has gained control of the budget over Congress, Collins’s role appears diminished.
“Appropriators are frustrated,” said a senior GOP member of the House Appropriations Committee, describing the pocket rescission as “stupid.”
Collins has been blindsided by Office of Management and Budget Director Russell Vought multiple times. Shortly after the Senate approved a traditional rescission request in July, Vought eliminated $9 billion in foreign aid.
“The pocket rescission was dropped on us at midnight, and Russ called me at eight the next morning to tell me about it,” Collins said. “That’s not how one should operate.”
Vought now wants the Supreme Court to strike down the 1974 Impoundment Control Act, which places strict limits on the executive branch’s ability to withhold funds approved by Congress.
“If Congress lays down its arms on its most fundamental authority, I don’t know what leg they’re going to have to stand on going forward,” said Republican Brendan Buck, who previously served as adviser to Speakers Paul Ryan and John Boehner.
“Presidents will take advantage of this opportunity, knowing this is one more area where Congress has weakened itself and the administration can just run over them," he added.