Cord Byrd: “Why do we leave it in the hands of a Federal agency to determine whether or not a mandate should be nullified or should…”

“Why do we leave it in the hands of a Federal agency to determine whether or not a mandate should be nullified or should be modified? Why should a Federal agency determine on the basis of 'less money, less mandate'? Why should not the legislative branch do this? Why not require that an agency seek the approval of the Appropriations Committees and suggest a reprogramming? That is done from time to time. But why turn a decision of this sort--it is a final decision--over to an executive branch agency? It seems now we are setting up a procedure here that stands in direct conflict with the provisions of article I, section 1, the very first sentence of the U.S. Constitution, which vests all legislative power in the Congress of the United States.”