Senate Budget Committee Chairman Lindsey Graham announced that Russell Vought's nomination to lead the Office of Management and Budget has been approved by the committee. The approval came as Democrats chose to boycott the markup session.
Graham expressed his satisfaction with the unanimous support for Vought's nomination from the Republicans present at the committee meeting. He acknowledged the absence of Democratic members during the markup, stating, 'My Democratic colleagues decided to boycott, which is their right. The markup was short and pleasant. They were missed… Sort of.'
The Democrats' decision to boycott the session was rooted in their concerns over Vought's nomination. They have labeled him as one of President Trump's more controversial nominees, citing his involvement in Project 2025. Democrats have urged Trump to withdraw Vought's nomination, citing a recent OMB memo that froze federal grant funding as a potential indicator of the policies that could be implemented under Vought's leadership.
Despite the Democratic boycott, Senate Republicans are pushing for a swift confirmation of Vought, aiming to finalize the process as early as next week.
