Senate Democrats took another shot in pressing President Donald Trump’s nominee for budget director over whether he’ll follow congressional directions on spending.
Russell Vought, tapped to lead the Office of Management and Budget, appeared before the Senate Budget Committee on Wednesday. At his second confirmation hearing, Vought faced a volley of questions over presidential power to withhold government funding, known as impoundment.
Such questions were also raised by the Republican chair of the committee, Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, who said that he had “concerns” over impoundment.
Sen. Patty Murray (D-Wash.), who serves as ranking member of the Appropriations Committee, said she has “very serious concerns” about his nomination. She cited his role when he was last OMB director in stalling military aid to Ukraine, which led to Trump’s first impeachment during his first term.
