Summary

Senator Bernie Sanders condemned Trump’s order to freeze all federal loans and grants, calling it a “dangerous move towards authoritarianism” and “blatantly unconstitutional.”

The directive, exempting Social Security and Medicare, is expected to impact universities, nonprofits, food assistance programs, health centers, and disabled veterans.

Sanders emphasized that Congress holds the “power of the purse” and urged Americans to oppose the order.

Attorneys general are preparing legal challenges to overturn the freeze.

  • finitebanjo@lemmy.world
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    2 days ago

    I’m pretty sure the constitution outlines this sort of changes in budget and allocation as Congress’ sole authority.

    I just gave it a quick read-through and it doesn’t state anywhere in Article II that he has the power to do this, and further he is required by Article II Section 3 to enforce all laws passed by congress. This is supposedly the section that they used to Impeach Bill Clinton, as his perjury in a civil case was considered breaking the law and therefor failing to enforce it.

    Fun fact, the new admin has removed the Constitution from the website, promises to put it back eventually.

    • Fredselfish@lemmy.world
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      2 days ago

      Read the whole thing this morning thanks to Leejay over on Patreon, you can also listen to her read the whole thing as well has highlight and explain parts of it here: https://youtu.be/VoNp_ExiOyI

      I recommend we all read it wherever you like. But read it nonetheless. Unfortunately it’s not that long.

      But yeah he doesn’t have this power according to our constitution.