River Bend Times

Senator Jeff Merkley and Congressman Brendan Boyle have requested the Government Accountability Office (GAO) investigate the legality of certain funding freezes enacted by President Trump. The request highlights concerns about the removal of apportionment records from the White House website, which are crucial for transparency and congressional oversight.

Senator Merkley remarked, “The President is not a king, and laws are not suggestions,” referring to what he sees as violations of the Constitution's allocation of financial powers. He criticized President Trump and Russ Vought for allegedly undermining federal governance by suspending funds appropriated by Congress.

Congressman Boyle echoed these sentiments, stating, “The Constitution clearly grants Congress—not the President—the power of the purse.” He emphasized the importance of Congress defending its authority against what he described as challenges from figures like Elon Musk and Russell Vought. Boyle highlighted how the withholding of funds impacts American communities, affecting employment, economic stability, and infrastructure.

The letter to GAO Comptroller General Gene Dodaro by Merkley and Boyle mentions President Trump's executive order dated January 20, 2025, pausing U.S. foreign development assistance, and other funding suspensions. These include funds from the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, and military aid to Ukraine as of March 3, 2025.

The courts have previously ruled that the Trump Administration violated federal law by withholding funds without authorization. The Impoundment Control Act mandates presidential compliance in notifying Congress about budgetary withholdings, ensuring accountability and respecting the separation of powers.

Merkley and Boyle’s letter underlines Congress's duty to uphold its oversight role and address any executive overreach.