Acting Chief OMB Matthew J. Vaeth ordered all national agencies to "provisionally suspend all activities related to duties or expenses (as part of) all national financial assistance," which according to the paper amounts to 3 trillion dollars, writes "Washington Post".
The decision could possibly cover state resources, national social programmes, support for tiny businesses, aid for natural disasters, subsidies to farmers or investigation grants.
American administration holds money for grants, loans and social programs
The freezing of these programmes aims to review them in the light of convergence with the President's priorities expressed in his decrees, among others, on the elimination of projects on equality and inclusiveness, as well as abroad aid or energy transformation.
According to the “Wall Street Journal”, an unexpected order has caused chaos and confusion among officials who are trying to find what the consequences of this decision might have. The memorandum issued by Matthew J. Vaeth simply states that the freezing of expenditure does not apply to money straight paid to citizens under the Social safety and wellness Insurance strategy (Medicare).
Democrats criticize Donald Trump's decision. Subsequent suspended programmes
The decision was criticised by representatives of the Democratic organization who question the legality of the decision and its consequences. “ Donald Trump must order his administration to change course immediately, and taxpayers’ money should be distributed among people. legislature approved these expenses and they are not optional; they are the law," stated Democratic leader Chuck Schumer in the Senate.
— This will mean that there will be no payments and no rent and... chaos in universities, charities, states dealing with disaster relief, local law enforcement, assistance to the aged and (help) food for the needy," he added.
Experts quoted by the "Washington Post" are of the opinion that the temporary suspension of expenditure approved by legislature is likely to be lawful, but raises concerns about the White House's effort to usurp the most crucial powers of Congress, or control of the budget. “I fear this is an effort not to implement national law in relation to the budget process,” said G. William Hoagland, vice president of the Bipartisan Policy Center.
Nominated by Trump as the fresh head of OMB Russell Vought is simply a proponent of the explanation that the execution does not gotta implement the expenses indicated by Congress. akin chaos and unrest within national agencies prompted earlier decisions to suspend all U.S. abroad aid for 3 months, or a ban on contacts with the planet wellness Organization (WHO) by American agencies.
As a consequence of the freezing of abroad aid, support programmes for Ukraine, military aid for Taiwan, support for Kurds guarding prisons in which jihadists from the muslim State in Syria are being held, as well as programmes to combat AIDS, or recognition of targets for possible sanctions.
