Reclaim Congressional Authority Over Federal Budget and Power of the Purse

I am writing to remind you of your constitutional responsibilities as a member of the House of Representatives—responsibilities that are foundational to our republic and essential to the proper functioning of our government. As you know, the Constitution vests Congress, and specifically the House, with the exclusive “power of the purse.” This authority is not only a core legislative prerogative but also a critical check on executive power. Recent developments, particularly the establishment and rapid expansion of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) within the Executive Office of the President, raise significant concerns about the erosion of congressional authority over federal spending and budgetary priorities. While the stated aim of DOGE is to modernize federal technology and maximize efficiency, its scope has expanded to include decisions over contracts, grants, workforce reductions, and even the restructuring or elimination of entire agencies—all under the direction of the executive branch and its appointees. The Constitution is clear: Congress, not the President or executive agencies, determines how taxpayer dollars are spent. Outsourcing or delegating these responsibilities to DOGE—an entity reporting directly to the White House and led by individuals not directly accountable to the people—undermines the intent of the Framers and the principle of separation of powers. The American people elected you and your colleagues to debate, decide, and defend the nation’s budget in a transparent and accountable manner. I urge you to reassert Congress’s constitutional authority over the budget and appropriations process. The House must not allow its fundamental power of the purse to be diminished or circumvented by executive initiatives, no matter how well-intentioned or efficient they may appear. The American people expect their representatives to exercise independent judgment and oversight, ensuring that federal spending reflects the nation’s priorities and values. Please take decisive action to restore Congress’s role in federal budgeting and appropriations. Uphold your oath to the Constitution by reaffirming that the House works at the pleasure of the people, not the President, and that it will not abdicate its most essential duties.