OMB froze billions in unobligated agency funds without Congressional authorization
June 12, 2025
Systemic Escalation
Founders' Principles Violated
Guardrails Violated
Why Level 4?
Freezing billions in Congressional appropriations without authorization. Multiple guardrails bypassed: power of the purse, Congressional authority, separation of powers. Measurable harm to Congressional spending authority and agency operations.
What Happened
Context
Office of Management and Budget (OMB) under Director Russ Vought began freezing billions of dollars in unobligated (unspent) funds at multiple agencies (EPA, NASA, NSF, etc.) in June 2025, with plans to make these freezes permanent if Congress does not intervene.
Action Taken
OMB under Director Russ Vought began freezing billions of dollars in unobligated funds at multiple agencies starting June 2025. Freezes targeted EPA, NASA, NSF, and other agencies. Plan was to make these freezes permanent if Congress does not intervene. The power of the purse constitutionally lies with Congress; this practice potentially enters a gray area regarding legislation and constitutional authority. Critics argued this violated Congressional spending authority.
In His Own Words
"We need to control wasteful spending at federal agencies."
"Unobligated funds should be returned to taxpayers."
"Agencies are hoarding money that should be spent."
What's Wrong
OMB freezing unobligated funds without Congressional authorization violates Congressional power of the purse. The Constitution grants Congress authority over appropriations and spending. Freezing funds that Congress has appropriated violates separation of powers. Practice bypassed normal Congressional oversight and spending authority.
Impact
Constitutional: Violation of Congressional power of the purse and spending authority. Legal: Questions about authority to freeze appropriated funds. Institutional: Undermines Congressional control over federal spending. Operational: Billions of dollars frozen, affecting agency operations and programs.