Rep. Wasserman Schultz on Trump Administration's 'Contempt' for Congress's Power of the Purse

Defense of Congressional Power of the Purse

• 🏛️ Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz strongly supports an amendment to push back against the Trump administration's actions regarding appropriated funds.
• ⚡ She questions when Congress will collectively stand up for its express constitutional authority and the power of the purse.
• 🤝 The amendment aims to demonstrate that members are appropriators first, not just Democrats or Republicans, emphasizing the need for bipartisan cooperation.

Constitutional Authority and Appropriations

• 📜 The amendment is rooted in Article 1, Section 9, Clause 1 of the Constitution, which states no money shall be drawn from the treasury without appropriation by law.
• ⚖️ This clause is fundamental to the unique role of appropriators, who are essential for the functioning of government and democracy.
• 🔍 Congress's role is to check the executive branch's ability to spend money, a process that has historically been bipartisan to prevent abuse of power.

The Impoundment Control Act of 1974

• 🔑 Congress reasserted its control over spending in 1974, ensuring appropriated funds are used as intended.
• ✈️ Wasserman Schultz suggests a stronger amendment, proposing no funds for presidential or vice-presidential travel until the administration complies with the Impoundment Control Act.
• 🇺🇸 She criticizes the administration for holding up funding and freezing programs that serve American families while potentially using funds for partisan travel.

Consequences of Executive Overreach

• 🎯 The Trump administration's contempt for the congressional appropriations process is described as wrong, illegal, and detrimental to good government ethics.
• 🚫 Congress should not fund lawbreaking, especially when executive actions undermine Congress's constitutional role.
• ✅ Wasserman Schultz urges colleagues to vote for common sense, good governance, and to stand up for their constitutional authority being trampled by the administration.