Opinion | Rosa DeLauro: Congress, Not Trump, Controls the Money
As the debate over President Trump’s proposed budget continues to rage on, one important fact often gets lost in the shuffle: it is Congress, not the president, that ultimately controls the nation’s purse strings. This fact is often overlooked in the media coverage of the budget process, but it is a fundamental principle of our government that cannot be ignored.
At the center of this debate is Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro, a longtime champion of progressive budget priorities and a vocal critic of the Trump administration’s proposed cuts to vital programs. DeLauro, who serves as the Chair of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies, has been a leading voice in the fight against the president’s budget proposals.
In a recent op-ed for The Hill, DeLauro made it clear that Congress, not the president, has the power to decide how taxpayer dollars are spent. She wrote, “The president may propose a budget, but it is Congress that ultimately controls the purse strings. As a result, we have the power to reject harmful cuts and make investments in programs that benefit the American people.”
DeLauro’s words are a reminder that the president’s budget proposals are just that – proposals. It is up to Congress to review, modify, and ultimately pass a budget that reflects the values and priorities of the American people. This process is not always easy, as competing interests and ideologies often come into play, but it is a crucial part of our democratic system.
In her op-ed, DeLauro also highlighted the importance of investing in programs that help working families, support education, and promote public health. She noted that the president’s proposed cuts to programs like Medicaid, SNAP, and Pell Grants would have devastating consequences for millions of Americans, particularly those who are most vulnerable.
DeLauro’s message is clear: Congress must stand up to the Trump administration’s harmful budget proposals and fight for a budget that reflects the values of the American people. It is up to our elected representatives to ensure that taxpayer dollars are spent wisely and in a way that benefits all Americans, not just the wealthy and well-connected.
As the budget process moves forward, it is important for all Americans to remember that Congress, not the president, controls the nation’s money. We must hold our elected officials accountable and demand a budget that prioritizes the needs of the American people. Rosa DeLauro is leading the charge in this fight, and we must stand with her to ensure that Congress fulfills its duty to the American people.