Rep. Lauren Underwood Questions Sec. Kristi Noem on Constitutional Authority

Congressional Authority Over Appropriations

• 🏛️ Rep. Underwood questioned Secretary Noem regarding the administration's authority to freeze, terminate, or claw back federal grants and awards already signed into law.
• 💰 Underwood asserted that Article One of the Constitution grants Congress the sole power of the purse, meaning no money can be drawn from the treasury without appropriations made by law.
• ⚖️ She specifically asked if the administration believes it has the authority to subvert appropriations law and if the executive branch has unilateral authority to withhold congressionally appropriated funds.
• 🚫 Secretary Noem stated the administration evaluates grants to ensure appropriate spending and that the president is within his authorities to drive policy decisions within federal law and the Constitution.

Due Process and Citizen Rights

• 🧑‍⚖️ Rep. Underwood inquired if Secretary Noem believes the Constitution guarantees due process to everyone in America, including non-citizens.
• 🗣️ After a request for a yes or no answer, Underwood interpreted Noem's response as a 'no' regarding due process for all.
• 🇺🇸 Underwood also questioned the authority of the federal government to deport American citizens, a concept Noem denied the government possesses.

Oath to the Constitution

• 📜 Rep. Underwood reminded Secretary Noem that their oaths of office were to protect and defend the Constitution of the United States, not a political party or the president.
• ✅ The exchange concluded with Underwood emphasizing their commitment to upholding the Constitution during the appropriations committee hearing.