Republicans and Democrats need to get out of Trump’s way.
Senator Susan Collins Pushes Back, But Conservatives Say It’s About Time Someone Stood Up for the Taxpayer
In a bold move to rein in wasteful government spending, the Trump administration is facing criticism from both sides of the aisle for rejecting billions in so-called “emergency” funds quietly tucked into the latest government spending bill.
Senator Susan Collins (R-ME), who chairs the influential Senate Appropriations Committee, joined forces with Democrat Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) to challenge the decision. In a letter to President Trump’s budget chief Russell Vought, the senators argue that the administration cannot selectively reject emergency-designated federal spending passed by Congress.
But the Trump administration isn’t backing down—and many fiscally conservative Americans are cheering.
What’s the Fight About?
Earlier this month, Congress approved a massive funding package that included emergency appropriations totaling billions of dollars. But the White House says a large chunk of that—nearly $3 billion across 11 different appropriations—was improperly labeled to dodge agreed-upon budget caps.
President Trump’s team points to a 2023 backroom agreement from the Biden era that added extra spending behind the scenes. The administration says these funds are not real emergencies—they’re just political payouts masked as urgent needs.
“The President does not have a line-item veto,” Collins and Murray wrote, adding that Congress has long viewed emergency designations as all-or-nothing.
Trump’s Budget Office: Protecting Taxpayer Dollars
According to Trump’s Office of Management and Budget, only 16 emergency appropriations meet the criteria laid out in law. The rest—added through a questionable handshake deal between Democrats and former GOP House leadership—will be denied.
OMB officials argue that rubber-stamping these funds would violate the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985, a key law that protects against runaway spending.
The administration said the disputed funds were the result of a 2023 “side deal” made to evade spending caps in the Fiscal Responsibility Act. That agreement, not legally binding, added billions in new spending—something President Trump has consistently fought against.
House Republicans Applaud Trump’s Fiscal Discipline
Chairman Jodey Arrington (R-TX) of the House Budget Committee praised Trump’s decision, saying:
“Congress often misuses ‘emergency’ designations to hide out-of-control spending. I applaud President Trump for standing firm and protecting American taxpayers.”
Collins and Murray Push Back—But Critics Say It’s Just More of the Same
Despite bipartisan objections, many Americans see this as another example of the Trump administration refusing to play the Washington game.
Collins and Murray argue that the administration should have voiced concerns sooner—and that failing to communicate through official channels makes cooperation difficult.
But voters are growing tired of the usual political routine. Using emergency funding as a loophole to increase government spending has become all too common in D.C.—and this time, the Trump administration is saying enough is enough.
Why This Matters to You
For everyday Americans—especially retirees, small business owners, and those living on fixed incomes—reckless federal spending leads to inflation, higher taxes, and reduced services. President Trump’s move to block $3 billion in non-essential funding is a clear signal that he’s putting America First—not the Washington elite.
Bottom Line: Trump Takes a Stand, Taxpayers Win
While some in Congress cry foul, President Trump’s actions are being viewed by many as a victory for fiscal responsibility, limited government, and common sense.
👉 Do you support cutting wasteful “emergency” spending in Washington?