Source: Washington Post
by George F Will
“Donald Trump having ideas is rarely a good idea, but one of his today is congruent with nearly two centuries of presidential and congressional practices. This does not, however, mean that the Impoundment Control Act of 1974, is, as he insists, unconstitutional. Or that repealing or modifying it to enlarge the practice of presidents refusing to spend portions of appropriated funds would suit today’s conditions. Today’s presidency would become even more overbearing were Congress to further its self-diminishment by accepting additional attenuation of its core power: control of the purse. … The separation of powers would be shredded were presidents allowed to cancel provisions of appropriations bills for policy reasons. This would be difficult to distinguish from allowing presidents, whose core constitutional duty is in the take care clause, to legislate.” (08/28/24)