Congress Needs to Focus on Cutting Waste and Government Efficiency
The media may be focused on the battle between the executive and judiciary branches over immigration, spending, and regulatory authority, but the more consequential divide remains Congress versus Congress. The latter battle goes beyond mere partisan divide; lawmakers can either reassert their constitutional power of the purse or remain a passive player in policymaking. The legislature has too often chosen to remain passive over the past five decades, which has emboldened the executive branch to encroach upon congressional power. But the reconciliation and rescission packages provide senators and representatives with an opportunity to reinvigorate their respective offices.
Both Houses of Congress have an opportunity to step up. The U.S. Senate is looking for ways to include additional spending reductions in the reconciliation bill. And this week, the House of Representatives will consider President Trump’s proposed rescission proposal – legislation that would cancel unspent federal dollars previously approved by Congress but deemed unnecessary by the Trump administration.
The reconciliation bill currently moving through Congress would not only avoid a massive tax increase, but would also set the stage for what congressional leaders say will be more cuts and responsible spending. The president’s rescission proposal would save more than $9 billion in foreign aid and government-funded broadcasting.
Much has been said and written about the Trump administration’s government efficiency efforts. The work done across federal departments and agencies demonstrates the need for concerted efforts to cut waste, fraud, and abuse. Now, it’s time to focus on Congress’ role and demand lawmakers assume their constitutional duties and responsibilities over federal spending.
The media may obsess over the frequent faceoffs between the White House and federal judges when it comes to spending cuts or regulatory reforms, but these stories miss the larger lesson: fiscal responsibility demands an active Congress willing to assert itself.
Jeremiah Mosteller is a Policy Director at Americans for Prosperity.
