Liberal Forum

*Beekeeper » 29 Jan 2025, 7:42 pm » wrote: ↑

29 Jan 2025, 7:42 pm

Yes, Congress, specifically the House, has the power to appropriate money.

The ADMINISTRATION is responsible for distribution. ALSO in the Constitution is the ability for the President to use discretionary power to determine if the appropriations are being spent according to the directive of Congress and NOT be used in an illegal or otherwise bad way that doesn't protect the funds of government- ie- are they getting what they asked for, is there corruption involved, etc. 

I'm not seeing anything in this language about a freeze by fiat, or a whim-based withholding of appropriated funds.

The authority to hold accountable any who violate the conditions of allocated funds and the withholding of funds with no such finding are entirely separate things.

*Beekeeper » 29 Jan 2025, 7:42 pm » wrote: ↑

29 Jan 2025, 7:42 pm

And THIS is what Trump has done- cut off the funds UNTIL proper audits are done BEFORE the handouts are made!! PERFECTLY within the power of the President.

And this is what he has no authority to do. There are fifty states. All fifty have a right to allocated funds. Withholding such funds EVEN IF FRAUD IS ALLEGED is walking on very thin ice. Withholding them on a whim is leaping headlong into even thinner ice.

Which is why Trump backed down. He knew he would lose. Because his actions were outside the scope of his authority.

Did you know that his powers are actually enumerated?