Jack Reed: “I rise today with grave concerns about the nomination of Russell Vought to be the Director of the Office of Management…”

“I rise today with grave concerns about the nomination of Russell Vought to be the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, or as it is more popularly known, OMB. If confirmed, this would be Mr. Vought's second time in this role, and based on his past performance and his radical views, I believe it would be reckless to confirm his nomination. Most Americans will be unfamiliar with OMB and the work that it does, but OMB touches every major government policy and every cent of Federal spending. OMB sits at the center of the budget process, overseeing everything from the initial development of Agency budget requests all the way through executing funding appropriated by Congress. OMB also plays a critical role in the regulatory review process. It ensures that Agencies' reports, rules, and testimony are consistent with administrative policies. All of that is to say that every regulation and every investment in the American people--our infrastructure, domestic manufacturing, small businesses, healthcare systems--you name it--goes through OMB. That role as a central clearinghouse of all executive branch spending and regulation comes with significant authority and requires a high level of trust, as well as fidelity to the Constitution and to the law. Unfortunately, the Trump administration's OMB has already broken that trust with Congress and the American people and the Constitution. While not yet confirmed as OMB Director, Mr.…”