During a recent meeting at the Capitol, Office of Management and Budget Director Russell Vought defended the significant budget cuts being made to government entities and programs, stating that all actions taken by the administration are legal. When questioned about the permissibility of dismantling agencies like the US Agency for International Development (USAID) and Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), Vought reiterated that their actions are within the bounds of the law.
Regarding the administration's stance on abiding by Supreme Court decisions, Vought declined to provide a direct response, emphasizing that the purpose of the meeting was to discuss budget reconciliation with Senate Republicans.
At the meeting, Vought and Trump border czar Tom Homan underscored the urgent need for additional border security funding, without specifying a timeline for its passage. Border security funding is set to be included in competing budget reconciliation bills currently under consideration by both the House and Senate.
While the Senate aims to swiftly pass a streamlined bill focusing on border security, defense, and energy, the House is inclined towards a more comprehensive approach. House Speaker Mike Johnson advocates for combining these elements with extensions of Trump tax cuts and other provisions in a single, larger bill, a strategy that may prolong the legislative process due to the chamber's narrow division.
