I think this is an OK ask, but the bigger long term issue is that PEPFAR stays funded after the review—that seems to me both a bigger deal and perhaps more tractable than “unpausing” right now. It seems pretty unlikely that decision would be reversed but I don’t know much about the US political system or Trump’s way of operating
It would not be legal for USAID to cancel funding for PEPFAR after the reverse! Their funding comes from congress, executive agencies don’t have the power to do that. It still might happen – such are the times – but it would be definitely flagrantly illegal.
I think we are in uncharted territory here. It’s true that Congress has the power of the purse. But Trump’s pick for Office of Management and Budget Director (Russell Vought) supports impoundment—unilateral action taken by the exectuve branch to delay or cancel appropriations enacted into law.
When asked about Trump’s funding freeze the other day, Rep. Tom Cole, Chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, said “Appropriations is not a law, it’s the directive of Congress.”
Some Republican members of Congress may not push back on illegal actions without pressure from their constituents.
I think this is an OK ask, but the bigger long term issue is that PEPFAR stays funded after the review—that seems to me both a bigger deal and perhaps more tractable than “unpausing” right now. It seems pretty unlikely that decision would be reversed but I don’t know much about the US political system or Trump’s way of operating
It would not be legal for USAID to cancel funding for PEPFAR after the reverse! Their funding comes from congress, executive agencies don’t have the power to do that. It still might happen – such are the times – but it would be definitely flagrantly illegal.
Sorry I wasn’t talking specifics of agencies, I just meant congress cutting their funding, will edit thanks!
I think we are in uncharted territory here. It’s true that Congress has the power of the purse. But Trump’s pick for Office of Management and Budget Director (Russell Vought) supports impoundment—unilateral action taken by the exectuve branch to delay or cancel appropriations enacted into law.
When asked about Trump’s funding freeze the other day, Rep. Tom Cole, Chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, said “Appropriations is not a law, it’s the directive of Congress.”
Some Republican members of Congress may not push back on illegal actions without pressure from their constituents.