Rep. Andrew S. Clyde, US Representative for Georgia's 9th District | Official U.S. House headshot
Rep. Andrew S. Clyde, US Representative for Georgia's 9th District | Official U.S. House headshot
Today, Congressman Andrew Clyde and Senator Mike Lee have reintroduced a bill aimed at repealing the Impoundment Control Act (ICA) of 1974. This legislative move seeks to restore what they view as essential presidential powers.
Congressman Clyde stated, "The presidential power to impound funds is key to restoring fiscal sanity to our nation’s capital." He emphasized that presidents from George Washington to Richard Nixon had this authority until the ICA complicated it. Clyde argues that the act has led to a fiscal crisis and removing it would allow President Trump more control over spending.
Senator Lee described the ICA as "a Watergate-era relic of misguided overreach." He believes its limitations have contributed to fiscal issues and that repealing it would empower the President to manage spending effectively.
The bill has garnered support from several original cosponsors, including Representatives Mark Amodei, Andy Biggs, Lauren Boebert, Tim Burchett, Eric Burlison, Ben Cline, Eli Crane, Byron Donalds, Brandon Gill, Paul Gosar, Marjorie Taylor Greene, Andy Harris, Mark Harris, Clay Higgins, Wesley Hunt, Mary Miller, Cory Mills, Barry Moore, Troy Nehls, Chip Roy, Keith Self, Victoria Spartz, Greg Steube Tom Tiffany and Randy Weber.
The concept of impoundment allows the President not to spend all funds appropriated by Congress. Historically used for efficiency or foreign affairs purposes for nearly two centuries before being restricted by the ICA during the Watergate scandal era. Proponents argue that reinstating this power is crucial in addressing national debt and economic challenges.
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