Overview

• OMB Director Russ Vought told reporters on July 17 that the appropriations process “has to be less bipartisan,” arguing Congress’s funding power is a ceiling rather than a mandatory spending floor.
• Bipartisan lawmakers rebuked the proposal: Sen. Lisa Murkowski deemed it dismissive, Sen. Susan Collins faulted OMB’s opaque accounting, and Sen. Chuck Schumer urged President Trump to fire Vought.
• Senate Republicans advanced a $9 billion rescissions package to claw back approved foreign aid and public broadcasting funds, with a final vote expected before Friday’s deadline.
• Vought indicated additional rescissions measures will follow soon as the House readies the initial clawback bill for the president’s signature.
• Lawmakers warn the shift toward partisan appropriations and lack of detailed budget disclosures threaten congressional trust and could stall year-end spending deals.