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Funding freeze turmoil

CQ Budget, Episode No. 339

Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer, center, speaks during Senate Democrats’ news conference Tuesday on the Trump administration’s spending freeze on federal assistance. Also seen are, from left, Sens. Jeff Merkley of Oregon, Amy Klobuchar, of Minnesota, Patty Murray of Washington and Andy Kim of New Jersey.
Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer, center, speaks during Senate Democrats’ news conference Tuesday on the Trump administration’s spending freeze on federal assistance. Also seen are, from left, Sens. Jeff Merkley of Oregon, Amy Klobuchar, of Minnesota, Patty Murray of Washington and Andy Kim of New Jersey. (Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call)

A Trump administration directive to freeze spending on federal grants and loans pending a policy review outraged Democrats and reignited a debate over who controls the power of the purse. CQ Roll Call’s Paul M. Krawzak and David Lerman outline the battle over presidential “impoundment” authority and what it may mean for appropriations.

Show Notes:

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