Sen. Merkley LIGHTS UP Republicans for ceding Congress’s spending power to Trump and Russ Vought.

Senate Committee on Appropriations · January 30, 2026

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Constitutional basis for congressional appropriations

Presentation

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Unidentified Speaker cited Article 1, Section 9 of the Constitution, saying it vests the "power of the purse" in Congress and distinguishing democratic republican governance from authoritarian rule where a single ruler decides programs.

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Speakers:Unidentified Speaker

Unidentified Speaker argued that Article I, Section 9 of the Constitution vests Congress with the "power of the purse" and warned that executive delays in releasing funds can effectively undo laws at fiscal-year end; no formal action was recorded.

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