House Republicans Push to Expand Presidential Spending Powers

Legislation seeks to repeal the Impoundment Control Act of 1974, a move that could reshape the balance of power between Congress and the White House.

House Republicans, led by Rep. Andrew Clyde (R-Ga.), introduced a bill to repeal the Impoundment Control Act of 1974, which limits presidential authority over federal spending.
The proposed repeal would allow President-elect Donald Trump to unilaterally withhold or redirect congressionally approved funds, a power last exercised before the Nixon era.
The initiative has garnered support from figures like Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy, who argue that it would enhance government efficiency and reduce wasteful spending.
Critics, including top Democrats and some Republican lawmakers, warn that this change could undermine congressional authority and lead to significant constitutional challenges in court.
The bill is unlikely to advance in the current session but signals a key priority for Republicans as they prepare to control both chambers of Congress in January.