Republicans bristle at Trump’s latest tactics to undermine Congress’ funding power

A power struggle is intensifying between Republican lawmakers and the White House over control of federal spending, as President Donald Trump employs legally questionable tactics to bypass Congress's constitutional authority over the budget . The administration has used a maneuver known as a "pocket rescission" to unilaterally cancel funding, with White House budget director Russ Vought having canceled $4.9 billion in foreign aid last year through this method . GOP senators recently agreed to a bill blocking a rule allowing political appointees to steer grants toward the president's agenda, though the House has yet to clear it . Lawmakers have also criticized Vought for delaying congressionally approved funds for antipoverty services and foreign assistance . "Congress has appropriated money, and you don't have the authority to impound it," Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) stated . Some Republicans resist the administration's push to enact military funding through reconciliation, which would bypass the Senate filibuster and diminish appropriators' power . Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) criticized the White House for lacking consultation: "When you start issuing grants based on political connections, that's not good for the system here" .