Congressional Power of the Purse Act

The Constitution gave the power of the purse – the nation’s checkbook – to Congress. The Founders believed that this separation of powers would protect against monarchy and provide an important check on the executive branch. Congress has crafted longstanding, foundational laws that aim to prevent federal agencies from misspending – like the Antideficiency Act and the Impoundment Control Act.

But over time, both Presidents and agencies have pushed the boundaries of these, and other laws designed to prevent executive overreach, exploiting secrecy and limitations on enforcement to push their own agenda.

The reforms included in Chairman John Yarmuth’s Congressional Power of the Purse (CPP) Act will help Congress reclaim its Constitutional spending authority and safeguard our nation’s separation of powers.

Congressional Power of the Purse Act (Bill Text)

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Section-by-Section Analysis

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Statements

• Chairman Yarmuth Seeks White House Commitment to Follow the Law & Refrain from Unlawful Impoundments (June 23, 2020)
• Chairman Yarmuth Joined by Chairwomen Lowey, Maloney & Senate Vice Chairman Leahy in the Fight to Protect Congress’ Power of the Purse (April 29, 2020)
• Chairman Yarmuth on GAO Legal Opinion that Trump Administration Illegally Withheld Ukraine Aid (Jan 16, 2020)
• Chairs Yarmuth and Lowey Call on White House to End Blatant Attempts to Undermine Congress’ Power of the Purse (Sep 18, 2019)
• Yarmuth & Womack Respond to GAO’s Legal Opinion Confirming Congress’s Power of the Purse (Dec 10, 2018)

Other House Budget Committee Resources

• The Power of the Purse: Reasserting Congress' Authority and Protecting our Democracy through the Congressional Power of the Purse Act (May 20, 2021)
• Congressional Power of the Purse One-Pager (April 28, 2020)
• Protecting Congress’ Power of the Purse and the Rule of Law (April 2, 2020)
• Chairman Yarmuth Floor Remarks Outlining Administration’s Systemic Lawbreaking (Special Order) (Jan 28, 2020)
• House Budget Committee Outlines OMB's Abuse of Apportionment Process (Dec 2, 2019)
• The Impoundment Control Act of 1974: What Is It? Why Does It Matter? (Oct 23, 2019)