As the Senate debates bipartisan legislation to fund parts of the federal government, Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Ranking Member of the Senate Budget Committee, has introduced an amendment aimed at permanently banning pocket rescissions. The proposed measure would prevent the President from sending Congress a “special message” under the Impoundment Control Act within 90 days before funds are set to expire.
Senator Merkley submitted this amendment as part of an annual appropriations package. The intent is to stop the Trump Administration from unilaterally retracting funding that Congress had already approved through bipartisan consensus. In his roles on both the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committees, Merkley sought to ensure that only Congress could cancel such funding.
“Last fall, the Trump Administration trampled on Congress’ authority by utilizing the illegal pocket rescission. It’s well past time for Congress to reassert its Constitutionally granted Power of the Purse,” said Ranking Member Merkley. “It is clear that Donald Trump and Russ Vought have no interest in following the law. That is why every step of the way in writing the annual appropriations package, I have introduced amendments that would prevent the Trump Administration from undermining bipartisan agreements by illegally impounding funds. My Republican colleagues need to stand up, do the right thing, and join us in reaffirming that Congress controls the federal budget, not Donald Trump and Russ Vought.”
Merkley had previously filed this amendment during November's continuing resolution legislation which ended a government shutdown. When he moved to bring up his amendment for consideration, Republicans voted along party lines against it, blocking further debate on his proposal.
