Today I questioned OMB Director Russ Vought on Donald Trump’s budget
Today, OMB Director Russ Vought appeared before the Senate Budget Committee for an oversight hearing, and as Ranking Member of the Committee, I questioned him on Donald Trump's budget.
His answers reinforced what we already knew: this budget is a disaster for working families. And I will continue to lead the fight against his families lose, billionaires win budget. I'm a HELL NO.
What we are witnessing is a dangerous attempt to erode Congress' constitutional authority over taxes, spending, and war powers.
The Constitution is unambiguous: Congress controls the power of the purse. Yet Trump's administration has repeatedly disregarded that — from illegally impounding funds, to using procedural tricks to bypass Congress, to undermining federal agencies and workers who are responsible for delivering basic services.
And now, that same approach defines this budget.
Trump’s budget proposal is another proposal where families lose and billionaires win. It does nothing to lower the cost of groceries or gas, it ignores our long-term fiscal challenges like rising national debt, and it offers no serious plan to protect programs like Social Security and Medicare that millions rely on.
Instead, Trump's budget pours an eye-popping $1.5 trillion into the Pentagon, while continuing to spend billions on his reckless war in Iran — putting our servicemembers at risk and driving up costs here at home.
For decades, presidents of both parties have submitted detailed budgets outlining long-term plans for taxes, debt, and the future of essential programs. This proposal does none of that. It prioritizes more spending on weapons and war while cutting investments in housing, health care, education, infrastructure, scientific research, and environmental protection.
It's not a serious plan. It's another part of Trump's MAGA agenda that puts billionaires and defense corporations ahead of working families.
I'm going to keep fighting in the Senate to reject this budget and push for real solutions that make life more affordable and expand opportunity for all.
Onward,
Jeff
