River Bend Times

Senators Jeff Merkley, Patty Murray, and Gary Peters are seeking clarity from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) regarding a memo that instructed federal agencies to halt activities related to federal financial assistance. The memo, dated January 27th, has led to significant disruptions in funding for various programs across the United States.

The senators expressed concern over the impact of the funding freeze, noting that "tens of billions of dollars in life-saving aid, counterterrorism programs, funding to give the United States an edge over our competitors in foreign markets, and humanitarian aid has been frozen." They highlighted ongoing struggles faced by communities trying to access funds cut off under the now-rescinded M-25-13 Memorandum.

In their oversight efforts, Merkley, Murray, and Peters have also asked OMB Director Russell Vought for information on who authored the memo. Despite its rescission and blockage by federal courts, the directives caused widespread confusion. Reports suggest Vought convened a meeting with OMB staff about the memo before his confirmation as Director.

The Democratic leaders drew attention to similarities between the memo and Project 2025—a publication by conservative groups organized by The Heritage Foundation—which Vought reportedly co-authored. They stated that "though neither the Trump Administration nor OMB has officially confirmed [Vought’s] involvement in the memo," its text aligns with Vought's previous work.

Additionally, they criticized Vought's history concerning federal law adherence, particularly regarding appropriations bills. The senators reminded him that "appropriations bills are not suggestions—they are laws that the President must follow."

The inquiry into this matter includes questions directed at Vought and OMB about how the January 27th memo was generated and later rescinded. Merkley has been a vocal opponent of Vought's nomination as OMB Director.

Merkley, Murray, and Peters have sent two letters to Director Vought seeking further details on these issues.