Rep. Mike Levin on Trump's 'Illegal' Actions Undermining Congressional Power

Erosion of Congressional Power

• 🎯 Rep. Mike Levin criticizes President Trump's actions as an illegal empowerment process that erodes the power of Congress.
• ⚠️ He warns that if Congress ignores these actions, it may never regain its lost authority, drawing a distinction from past presidential boundary-testing.

The Impoundment Control Act of 1974

• 📜 In the 1970s, President Nixon attempted to withhold congressionally appropriated funds, leading to the Impoundment Control Act of 1974.
• ⚖️ This bipartisan law established a clear process: presidents must request rescission of funds, and Congress must approve it.
• 🏛️ For 50 years, all administrations, regardless of party, have followed this law, which was upheld by the Supreme Court.

Trump's Actions vs. Existing Law

• 🚫 Levin explains that Trump's administration is using a "pocket rescission," which is not a request but an attempt to run out the clock on spending authority.
• 🚨 The GAO has stated this maneuver is illegal under the Impoundment Control Act, calling it a direct violation of law and Congress's constitutional role.

Consequences of Inaction

• 📉 Allowing this to stand means no appropriation is safe, potentially impacting subsidies and advocated policies in the future.
• 📜 The current amendment reaffirms existing law, emphasizing that the executive branch must follow the Impoundment Control Act and Congress holds the power of the purse.
• ✅ Voting no on the amendment signifies support for the executive branch breaking the law, which Levin urges against, calling for a defense of Congress and the rule of law.