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Friday, June 6, 2025

Tag: budget
June 3, 2025
William Upton
News

DC Democrats Spent Over $200 Million on Streetcars. Now They’re Replacing Them With Buses.

PULSE POINTS:

❓What Happened: The Washington, D.C. city government is giving up on the H Street streetcar and will replace the 2.2-mile-long above-ground light rail system with an electric bus powered by the existing overhead cables.

👥 Who’s Involved: The Washington D.C. city government, the Democrat-controlled city council, Mayor Muriel Bowser (D), and City Administrator Kevin Donahue.

📍 Where & When: City officials in the nation’s capital announced the decision last week.

💬 Key Quote: City Administrator Kevin Donahue has indicated the overhead cable-powered electric bus line will allow officials “to more nimbly and quickly expand the streetcar line out beyond where we currently are.”

⚠️ Impact: The over $200 million streetcar boondoggle has been an embarrassment for the D.C. city government for over a decade. Only 2.2 miles of the streetcar system were ever opened for use; it lacks a dedicated lane or a mechanism to collect fares, and travels at only 12 to 15 miles per hour.

IN FULL:

Washington, D.C.’s sole, 2.2-mile-long streetcar line will soon be no more, with the city government deciding to replace the over $200 million boondoggle just 15 years after track for the project was first laid on H Street NE and a decade after actual operations commenced. Initially billed as an environmentally friendly, more accessible, and aesthetically pleasing alternative to city buses, the streetcar line will be replaced by a bus once again. Still, in an apparent attempt to save face, Mayor Muriel Bowser insists the electric bus is actually a “next generation streetcar.”

The electric bus that will replace the H Street streetcar will utilize the existing overhead power cables, meaning it will still suffer from some of the existing drawbacks that the failed street-level rail system did. Notably, the existing rail line lacks a barrier separating it from the street, which has resulted in the streetcar being unable to proceed forward when a car is double-parked and blocking its track. While the electric bus will not be confined to a track in the same manner as the streetcar, the overhead cables will still limit its maneuverability.

In over one decade of operation, the D.C. streetcar has never once generated a single dollar of revenue. It operates on a $10 million taxpayer subsidy per year. After years of delays and cost overruns, an eventual rushed rollout of the streetcar caused city officials to neglect installing a fare collection system on the streetcar. Eventually, the city government gave up on any plans to charge streetcar riders as the single 2.2-mile line struggled to match the capacity of buses running along the same route.

Despite the city’s budget constraints playing a significant role in the decision to shutter the sole operating streetcar line, the Democrat-dominated D.C. government still intends to push forward with a costly “green” public transit system. City Administrator Kevin Donahue has indicated that the overhead cable-powered electric bus line will allow officials “to more nimbly and quickly expand the streetcar line out beyond where we currently are.”

Image by Mariordo (Mario Roberto Duran Ortiz).

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May 28, 2025
Health
Immigration

The Catastrophic Impact of Illegal Migrant Healthcare Revealed.

PULSE POINTS:

❓What Happened: The state Medi-Cal program in California went insolvent earlier this year, requiring $3.44 billion in loans, with Republicans pointing to healthcare coverage for illegal immigrants as a major contributing factor.

👥 Who’s Involved: Governor Gavin Newsom (D), the California Legislative Latino Caucus, California taxpayers, and illegal aliens.

📍 Where & When: California; budget discussions ongoing.

💬 Key Quote: “The cost of providing free healthcare to illegal immigrants is $11.4 billion, so if we just didn’t do that, that would eliminate our budget deficit,” said State Senator Brian Jones (R).

⚠️ Impact: California faces a $12 billion budget deficit, with debates over healthcare costs for illegal immigrants, potential tax hikes, and federal funding changes adding pressure.

IN FULL:

California’s Medi-Cal, the state-run Medicaid program that provides healthcare for low-income residents and illegal immigrants, has gone insolvent, requiring $3.44 billion in loans earlier this year to continue operations. The program has become a focal point of the state’s ongoing budget crisis, with a $12 billion deficit looming, and some Democrats in the state legislature are pushing tax hikes instead of needed reforms to Medi-Cal.

Republican lawmakers, including State Senate Minority Leader Brian Jones, have been vocal in attributing much of the financial strain to the state budget on the inclusion of illegal immigrants in Medi-Cal coverage. “The cost of providing free healthcare to illegal immigrants is $11.4 billion, so if we just didn’t do that, that would eliminate our budget deficit,” Jones stated. However, he acknowledged other potential areas for budget savings.

The National Pulse previously reported that Governor Gavin Newsom’s administration has proposed adjustments to Medi-Cal, including pausing enrollment for illegal immigrants aged 19 and older in “full-scope coverage” and introducing a $100 monthly premium for illegals currently enrolled in the healthcare program. However, the Democrat governor’s solution is already receiving pushback from within the California Democratic Party.

Members of the California Legislative Latino Caucus are balking at Newsom’s proposed pause and premium hike. Instead, they are pushing for tax increases to bridge the funding gap and eliminate the $12 billion deficit. Newsom, who is eyeing a potential 2028 presidential bid, has thus far been non-committal on a potential tax increase to cover the budget.

Despite Republicans and Democrats like Newsom both pointing the finger at illegal immigrant enrollment as a primary driver of the budget deficit and Medi-Cal insolvency, the problem may be far more systemic.

“A lot of doctors in California that used to provide Medicare and Medicaid have closed up shop, moved to other states. A lot of other doctors that are still here have stopped taking those kinds of patients, even if they’re here legally or illegally, because the reimbursement rates are so low, the doctors actually lose money when they take a Medicare or Medicaid patient,” said State Senate Minority Leader Brian Jones.

Potential federal changes to Medicaid funding could also complicate matters for California. Currently, Congress is considering reducing the federal match rate for non-emergency care from 90 percent to 80 percent. Newsom warns that such changes could cost the state billions.

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May 12, 2025
Economy

Trump’s Tariffs Net $16 BILLION and Slashed Budget Deficit.

PULSE POINTS:

❓What Happened: U.S. tariff receipts reached a record $16.3 billion in April, marking an 86 percent increase from March and over double the amount collected in April 2024.

👥 Who’s Involved: President Donald J. Trump, the U.S. Treasury Department, and American taxpayers.

📍 Where & When: The United States, April 2025.

💬 Key Quote: Treasury Department data shows, “Customs duties totaled $16.3 billion for the month.”

⚠️ Impact: The tariffs contributed to a $258.4 billion budget surplus for April, though the fiscal year deficit remains at $1.05 trillion.

IN FULL:

U.S. tariff revenues surged to a record $16.3 billion in April 2025, as customs duties implemented under President Donald J. Trump’s trade policies began to take full effect, according to the Treasury Department. The figure represents an 86 percent jump from March’s $8.75 billion and more than double the $7.1 billion collected during the same month last year.

The increase follows the introduction of a 10 percent across-the-board tariff on foreign imports beginning April 2, adding to previously established duties. The year-to-date total for tariff receipts now stands at $63.3 billion, an 18 percent rise compared to the same period in 2024.

Despite the U.S. continuing to grapple with a significant budget deficit, the influx of tariff revenue contributed to a $258.4 billion surplus for April. Typically, this month sees an increase in government revenue due to the mid-April income tax filing deadline. The surplus marks a 23 percent increase from April 2024, though the fiscal year deficit remains high at $1.05 trillion, a 13 percent increase from the previous year.

On an annual basis, April 2025 receipts rose 10 percent compared to 2024, while government expenditures declined by 4 percent. However, year-to-date figures show a 5 percent increase in receipts alongside a 9 percent rise in spending.

Meanwhile, high interest rates continue to weigh heavily on the federal budget. Net interest payments on the $36.2 trillion national debt reached $89 billion in April, making it the second-largest expense category after Social Security. For the fiscal year, net interest costs have totaled $579 billion.

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May 12, 2025
William Upton
Politics

House Republicans Unveil Tax Provisions in Trump’s ‘Big, Beautiful Bill,’ Including No Tax on Tips and Overtime.

PULSE POINTS:

❓What Happened:  House Republicans have unveiled the sweeping tax provisions that will be included in their budget reconciliation legislation, dubbed the “One Big Beautiful Bill.” The measures will permanently enshrine key elements of the 2017 Trump tax cuts while adding new deductions for tips, overtime, car loan interest, school choice scholarship contributions, and more.

👥 Who’s Involved: The amendment was filed by Rep. Jason Smith (R-MO), chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee. Many of the provisions reflect President Donald J. Trump’s 2024 campaign pledges, providing relief for American workers.

📍 Where & When: The tax provisions were filed on Monday, May 12, 2025.

💬 Key Quote: “This week the Republicans are meeting in the Tax, Energy, and Agriculture Committees on major pieces of ‘THE ONE, BIG, BEAUTIFUL BILL’,” President Trump wrote in a post on Truth Social on Monday, adding: “Republicans need to UNIFY behind their Highly Respected Chairmen, Jason Smith, Brett Guthrie, and Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson. Remember, these are men that truly strive to do what is RIGHT for America.”

⚠️ Impact: The bill enacts a number of President Trump’s 2024 campaign promises, providing tax relief for American workers through no tax on tips and no tax on overtime provisions. Additionally, other tax changes aim to boost domestic industry and make permanent Trump’s 2017 tax cuts.

IN FULL:

House Republicans have unveiled the tax portion of what President Donald J. Trump has dubbed the “Big, Beautiful Bill“—budget reconciliation legislation that will implement much of the America First leader’s White House agenda. Filed by House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Jason Smith (R-MO) as an amendment to the overall budget bill, the legislative measure contains provisions making the 2017 Trump tax cuts permanent, and expands them with a bevy of new deductions aimed at workers, families, car buyers, and donors to private education initiatives.

“This week the Republicans are meeting in the Tax, Energy, and Agriculture Committees on major pieces of ‘THE ONE, BIG, BEAUTIFUL BILL’,” President Trump wrote in a post on Truth Social earlier on Monday, adding: “Republicans need to UNIFY behind their Highly Respected Chairmen, Jason Smith, Brett Guthrie, and Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson. Remember, these are men that truly strive to do what is RIGHT for America.”

Critically, the Ways and Means amendment that will be incorporated into the larger reconciliation bill begins by eliminating the 2025 sunset provisions in the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA). Under the new framework, lower individual tax rates would remain in place permanently, and the increased standard deduction would be retained and boosted through 2028. The Child Tax Credit would increase from $2,000 to $2,500 between 2025 and 2028, then remain indexed to inflation thereafter. Eligibility for the credit would require each child to possess a valid Social Security Number—a change likely aimed at curbing fraudulent filings involving non-citizens.

The bill also introduces a new set of work-based incentives. Cash tips would become non-taxable in qualifying service industries. Overtime wages would be newly deductible for workers through 2028. Senior citizens would receive an additional $4,000 standard deduction, phased out at higher income levels. Another provision allows car buyers to deduct loan interest payments, provided the vehicle was assembled in the United States.

Education reforms also receive a significant boost. The bill offers a federal tax credit of up to $5,000 for donations to approved Scholarship Granting Organizations that support private and religious schooling. A nationwide cap of $5 billion would apply. Five hundred and twenty-nine savings plans would also be expanded to include homeschool expenses, tutors, special education therapies, and educational materials. The adoption tax credit is enhanced and made partially refundable, with new language recognizing tribal government input in determining children with special needs.

Notably, the estate tax exemption would rise to $15 million per person, effective permanently, providing additional protections to family farms. The Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) thresholds would be extended indefinitely. High-income earners would face a return of the so-called Pease limitation on itemized deductions, kicking in on incomes over $400,000.

Overall, the tax provisions reflect President Trump’s America First agenda, rewarding work, family formation, religious schooling, and domestic manufacturing. The Ways and Means Committee amendment’s text is 389 pages long, though the final full reconciliation bill is expected to be far longer.

While House and Senate Democrats have already expressed their opposition to the “Big, Beautiful Bill,” under the rules of the budget reconciliation process, the legislation only requires a majority in each chamber of Congress for passage. Additionally, a budget bill moved under the reconciliation process is not subject to Senate filibuster rules, meaning Republicans will not need to reach the 60-vote threshold to invoke cloture.

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April 25, 2025
William Upton
NatSec
World

Italy Struggling to Meet 2% NATO Spending Goal.

PULSE POINTS:

❓What Happened: NATO member state Italy is beginning to doubt it will meet the alliance’s two percent of GDP defense spending target, unless the organization accepts the country’s use of a budget gimmick to reclassify some non-military spending.

👥 Who’s Involved: The Italian government, NATO, and U.S. President Donald J. Trump.

📍 Where & When: Concerns began arising in late April, with Italy having to submit its defense budget for review later this year.

💬 Key Quote: “Of course, there will be political pressure from both [the] EU and NATO to spend more,” an Italian government official said of efforts to hit NATO’s two percent of GDP defense spending target.

⚠️ Impact: If NATO and the European Commission reject Italy’s budget gimmick, the country will be pressured to increase its defense spending in real terms. That would likely require the Italian government to shift spending away from social welfare programs and could cause political unrest.

IN FULL:

While Italy continues to publicly insist it will reach the agreed-upon defense spending target for NATO member states, privately, officials in Rome are telling a very different story. Currently, member states are committed to reaching a defense spending rate of at least two percent of each country’s GDP.

For weeks, Italian government leaders have floated the prospect of reclassifying certain civil spending programs as military spending—a ploy they insist will get them past the two percent defense spending threshold. However, doubt is now mounting that such budget gimmicks will pass muster with NATO and the European Union (EU).

Conversely, while Italy struggles to hit the current two percent target, U.S. President Donald J. Trump is pushing NATO member states to increase their defense commitments to five percent of GDP. During Trump’s first term in office, he increased pressure on NATO to meet its defense obligations and not be overly reliant on the United States backfilling budget gaps with American taxpayer dollars.

The Italian government appears to believe that adjusting the categorization of money appropriated for its financial police and coast guard, along with other military-adjacent spending, will allow it to hit the current two percent target. If the budget gimmick is rejected, however, Italy may need to increase its military spending in real terms. This would likely require the Southern European nation to divert funding from its costly and overburdened social programs.

According to POLITICO, one Italian official contends, “Of course, there will be political pressure from both [the] EU and NATO to spend more.” Additionally, the official argues that an increase in Italy’s purchase of American weapons, even if just a slight increase, may help lessen the emphasis on strictly adhering to the two percent baseline. Last year, Italy’s defense spending comprised just 1.49 percent of the country’s GDP, one of the lowest ratios in Europe.

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April 14, 2025
Education

Trump-Backed School Choice Program Texas Is Poised to Adopt Will Be Largest in U.S.

PULSE POINTS:

❓What Happened: The Texas House, during an extended session, passed a $337 billion budget proposal, including a large-scale school choice initiative. The budget bill now heads to a conference committee that will reconcile differences between the versions passed by the Texas House and Senate before receiving a final vote on passage. 

👥 Who’s Involved: Governor Greg Abbott (R-TX), lawmakers in the Texas state legislature, school choice advocates, and Texas Democrats who oppose the budget bill and school choice program.

📍 Where & When: The debate took place in Texas on April 10, 2025, with the House passing the budget bill early Friday morning.

💬 Key Quote: Governor Abbott stated, “The fact is that we are going to pass school choice this session. At the same time, we’ll ensure Texas public schools receive record funding.”

⚠️ Impact: The budget measure seeks to distribute funds for educational savings accounts, affecting 100,000 students, and includes plans for property tax relief and increased border security funds.

IN FULL:

The Texas House engaged in a lengthy session on Thursday to debate the state’s $337 billion budget proposal, which includes a provision establishing the largest school choice program in the United States. After hours of debate and consideration of over 390 amendments —with only 25 being adopted—lawmakers moved to adopt the budget measure early on Friday morning, moving the school choice program one step closer to becoming a reality. The bill now heads to a conference committee that will reconcile differences between the House-passed budget and a version passed earlier this year by the Texas Senate.

If enacted, budget legislation would allocate $1 billion towards educational savings accounts, affecting roughly 100,000 Texas students. Additionally, the measure allows families to utilize public funds for differing educational expenses, such as private school tuition and homeschooling. President Donald J. Trump announced his support for the Texas school choice program in February, writing on Truth Social: “The Texas House must now pass School Choice to deliver a gigantic Victory for Texas students and parents… We need School Choice passed in every State!”

Governor Greg Abbott (R-TX) has also backed the school choice provision in the budget, contending that it will simultaneously bolster educational outcomes and empower families in their education decisions. “The fact is that we are going to pass school choice this session,” Abbott wrote in a post on X (formerly Twitter). “School choice creates competition and guarantees a better education for ALL students.”

Additional elements of the proposal include $11.2 billion for property tax relief and a record-setting $6.5 billion for border security. However, Democrat lawmakers in the state legislature have signaled they will oppose the final budget bill—though it appears unlikely they will be able to prevent its passage.

Image by Chmorich.

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March 18, 2025
Immigration

Newsom Needs Extra $3B for Health Program Swamped by Illegals.

California Gavin Newsom (D-CA) is once again seeking a multi-billion loan from his state’s general fund to cover Medicaid costs that have been sent soaring by the state’s expansion of healthcare coverage to illegal immigrants. The new $2.8 billion general fund loan request comes on the heels of a $3.4 billion request to cover an earlier shortfall in Medi-Cal, the state’s major healthcare program.

In response to allegations that his administration’s aid to illegal immigrants is responsible for skyrocketing state healthcare costs, Gov. Newsom obfuscated and claimed that rising pharmaceutical prices and increased enrollment in Medi-Cal are also significant contributors to the deficit. However, other states that have extended healthcare coverage to illegals are experiencing similar cost overruns.

Republican lawmakers in California are criticizing the state’s financial strategies, attributing the shortfall to unsound policy decisions. They note that even former Governor Jerry Brown (D-CA) did not expand Medi-Cal to all illegal immigrants, on fiscal grounds.

Last year, California became the first state to offer Medicaid to all low-income adults aged 26 to 49 regardless of immigration status. State data indicates that approximately 1.6 million illegal immigrants and 15 million residents are currently enrolled in the program.

The National Pulse has previously reported that the extension in Democrat-run states of government services—including healthcare—to illegal immigrants has placed severe strain on state and local budgets. The Governor J.B. Pritzker (D-IL) administration in Illinois is under investigation after a state audit report found that Democrat officials underestimated the cost of healthcare provided to illegals. In total, the audit report found Pritzker has spent $1.6 billion taxpayer dollars since 2020 on illegal immigrant healthcare.

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California Gavin Newsom (D-CA) is once again seeking a multi-billion loan from his state's general fund to cover Medicaid costs that have been sent soaring by the state's expansion of healthcare coverage to illegal immigrants. The new $2.8 billion general fund loan request comes on the heels of a $3.4 billion request to cover an earlier shortfall in Medi-Cal, the state's major healthcare program. show more
January 11, 2025
William Upton
News

LEAKED MEMO: LA Mayor Forced Huge Budget Cut on Fire Dept Just Days Before Fire Outbreak.

The Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) disclosed it was struggling to implement a massive $48.8 million budget cut forced on it by the city’s Democrat mayor, Karen Bass, just days before catastrophic wildfires broke out earlier this week. A leaked January 6 department memo states the LAFD believed a worst-case budget scenario—meaning no relief from the mayor—would result in the closure of upward of 16 fire stations.

On January 8, several major wildfires broke out in the greater Los Angeles metro area and quickly raged out of control. In a matter of days, the fires have burned tens of thousands of acres, and the largest two—in Pacific Palisades and Altadena—remain zero percent contained.

Despite the leaked memo and numerous media stories detailing that at least $17 million was already cut from the LAPD’s budget, Mayor Bass’s Democratic Party allies have tried to obfuscate the funding reductions.

Victor Shi, one of the former staffers who managed the social media account for Kamala Harris’s presidential campaign, falsely claimed on X (formerly Twitter) that Bass had actually increased the LAFD budget by $50 million.

Notably, of the initial $17 million budget cut in 2024, $7 million of it came from reductions in overtime pay, as well as fire prevention and training programs. Fire budgets have also been diverted to diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives in recent years.

Even more troubling, the Los Angeles emergency alert system appears to no longer be under the control of government officials. In the last 24 hours, several inadvertent alerts have been sent out across the metropolitan area with false evacuation notices. Late Thursday evening, a notice went out to the entirety of Los Angeles County incorrectly telling all residents to evacuate.

It is currently unknown if the technical problems faced by the alert system also stem from budget cuts enacted by Mayor Bass.

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The Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) disclosed it was struggling to implement a massive $48.8 million budget cut forced on it by the city's Democrat mayor, Karen Bass, just days before catastrophic wildfires broke out earlier this week. A leaked January 6 department memo states the LAFD believed a worst-case budget scenario—meaning no relief from the mayor—would result in the closure of upward of 16 fire stations. show more
Speaker
December 18, 2024
Politics

GOP Lawmakers Blast Speaker Johnson’s Continuing Resolution, Will Need Dem Support to Pass.

Congressional Republicans are lining up in opposition to a new government spending proposal to prevent a partial shutdown on Saturday, December 21, 2024. Subsequently, Republican lawmakers are voicing their disdain for the stop-gap spending measure, hammering the bill as an omnibus masquerading as a continuing resolution (CR).

Rep. Kat Cammack (R-FL) sarcastically suggested that conservative Republicans should create an OnlyFans account, commenting on how often they feel disregarded. “Conservative Republicans should start an OnlyFans account considering how often we get screwed… The CR is a bad deal,” the Florida Republican wrote in a post on X (formerly Twitter).

Meanwhile, Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) demanded his colleagues oppose the bill after the legislative language was made public. In a social media post, Sen. Lee shamed fellow Republicans for backing the spending measure: “Like a dog to its vomit, big-spending Republicans in Congress are returning to what’s familiar & neglecting what’s necessary.”

Adding to the chorus of critique, Rep. Paul Gosar (R-AZ) stated his intent to oppose the proposal. Gosar described the CR as a “garbage” document, making clear his refusal to support it. Meanwhile, Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) called it a “Christmas CR lump of coal.” Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC) also affirmed her opposition with a simple “nope.”

Similarly, Sen. Rick Scott (R-FL) criticized Republican leaders, arguing they failed to introduce a clean CR. The Florida Senator noted that House and Senate leadership’s lack of fiscal restraint illustrates why the country needs President-elect Donald J. Trump and the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). An initiative set up by Trump to tackle government spending and waste, DOGE is being advised by Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy. Musk voiced his opposition to the spending bill as well.

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Congressional Republicans are lining up in opposition to a new government spending proposal to prevent a partial shutdown on Saturday, December 21, 2024. Subsequently, Republican lawmakers are voicing their disdain for the stop-gap spending measure, hammering the bill as an omnibus masquerading as a continuing resolution (CR). show more
December 5, 2024
Politics

Democratic Rep Says Musk & Ramaswamy’s ‘DOGE’ Is Unconstitutional. That’s Debatable.

Representative Zoe Lofgren (D-CA)—a powerful Democrat on the House Judiciary Committee—is arguing President-elect Donald J. Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) is “unconstitutional and illegal.” The congresswoman, currently in her 15th term in Congress, contends that the agency, set to be overseen by Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy, encroaches on the powers of Congress to appropriate funds for federal agencies.

The California Democrat’s remarks came during an appearance on CNN Newsroom with host Jim Acosta, who pressed Lofgren for her “thoughts on Elon Musk and Ramaswamy deciding or trying to decide what stays and what goes in the federal government.”

“Well, it’s illegal. You know, they haven’t asked to meet with me, but the impoundment of funds that have been appropriated by the Congress is unconstitutional and illegal,” the 76-year-old Lofgren responded. She continued: “There is no such Department of Government Efficiency. It’s made up. So good luck to ’em.”

Lofgren added that if President-elect Trump wants to make changes to the federal budget, “…he should send it to us, but the Constitution does not permit the president to simply avoid what the Congress has done—that power of the purse is with the legislative branch, not the president.”

NOT ACTUALLY UNCONSTITUTIONAL? 

While the Judiciary Committee Democrat insists that it is unconstitutional for the president to exercise the power of impoundment—an act that claws back funds appropriated by Congress to fund federal agencies—the reality of the matter is less clear. U.S. Presidents, from Thomas Jefferson to Richard Nixon, wielded impoundment authority until Congress stripped the power with the Congressional Budget and Impoundment Control Act of 1974.

However, impoundment remains an unsettled constitutional question. A related Supreme Court case, Train v. City of New York—decided on facts that pre-date the 1974 Act—found that the president cannot order unreasonable impoundments outside the scope of congressional intent. Significantly, though, the high court declined to rule on the constitutionality of presidential impoundment power.

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Representative Zoe Lofgren (D-CA)—a powerful Democrat on the House Judiciary Committee—is arguing President-elect Donald J. Trump's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) is "unconstitutional and illegal." The congresswoman, currently in her 15th term in Congress, contends that the agency, set to be overseen by Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy, encroaches on the powers of Congress to appropriate funds for federal agencies. show more