Impoundment

WASHINGTON — A significant constitutional debate is intensifying over the presidential ability to manage federal funds, specifically whether the President can override Congress’ fiscal mandates. This clash unfolds as some in the Trump administration pursue aggressive reductions in federal expenditures, skirting the traditional legislative oversight and invoking executive powers to realign or even nullify spending approved by Congress. Historically, the scope of presidential power to withhold or cut spending — known in legal terms as “impoundment” — has waxed and waned. The Trump administration, reasserting a broad interpretation of executive authority, contends that the presidency … Read more