Republican appropriators are expressing alarm over the White House’s consideration of unilaterally freezing congressionally approved cash in September, raising concerns about President Trump’s latest budget request.
This shift has unsettled top Republicans responsible for drafting government funding bills, who have been cautious in their criticism of the president’s funding freezes this year.
Concerns Over Military Funding
As defense hawks in Congress push for increased military funding, the president’s readiness to impound congressionally approved cash, also known as “impoundment,” is creating divisions between the White House and GOP lawmakers.
Representative Mike Simpson (R-Idaho), chair of the House Appropriations panel funding the EPA and Interior Department, voiced his opposition to impoundment, calling it akin to a line-item veto and potentially illegal.
Historical Context
While withholding federal funds is not new for Trump, his recent proposals have raised eyebrows among senior Republicans. The president’s budget plan to maintain flat military funding while adding $150 billion through a party-line package has sparked criticism.
Asked about the possibility of withholding funds, an official from the Office of Management and Budget noted that impoundment remains an option, emphasizing the administration’s belief in the president’s authority in this area.
Implications for Funding Bills
Republican appropriators are gearing up to draft funding bills for fiscal 2026, traditionally treating the president’s budget request as a starting point for negotiations. However, the White House’s willingness to withhold funding beyond the budget request could disrupt this process.
House Appropriations Chair Tom Cole (R-Okla.) acknowledged the White House’s strategy, while Senator Shelley Moore Capitol (R-W.V.) expressed reservations about the potential consequences.
Response from Lawmakers
Representative Mark Amodei (R-Nev.) criticized the White House’s approach, stating, “That’s a funny way to treat your friends.” The threat of impoundment threatens bipartisan funding negotiations as Democrats question the utility of discussions if Trump does not adhere to Congress’s funding directives.
Conclusion
As the debate over impoundment continues, the impact on funding negotiations and the potential for a government shutdown loom large. With the deadline approaching, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer faces pressure to navigate these challenges and protect non-defense programs from significant cuts.
