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What you need to know about impoundment, and how Trump vows to use it


Published on 2025-02-06 16:40:41 - PBS
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  • It's a concept that's normally dry, esoteric and distanced from Americans' everyday lives, yet the heart of the matter is a key question of American democracy.

The article from PBS NewsHour discusses the concept of impoundment, a presidential power to withhold funds allocated by Congress, which President Trump has vowed to use if re-elected. Historically, impoundment was used by presidents like Nixon, leading to significant political and legal battles, culminating in the passage of the Congressional Budget and Impoundment Control Act of 1974. This act was designed to limit the president's ability to impound funds without Congressional approval, establishing a process where the president must notify Congress of any proposed rescissions or deferrals of funds. Trump's intention to revive this practice aims at reducing what he perceives as wasteful spending, but it raises concerns about executive overreach and the balance of power. Legal experts and political analysts debate the implications, with some arguing that modern impoundment could face immediate legal challenges due to the existing laws and precedents set by previous court rulings.

Read the Full PBS Article at:
[ https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/what-you-need-to-know-about-impoundment-and-how-trump-vows-to-use-it ]
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