[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 111 (Friday, June 27, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E629]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     INTRODUCTION OF THE APPROPRIATIONS COMPLIANCE AND TRAINING ACT

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                           HON. MARCY KAPTUR

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, June 27, 2025

  Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Speaker, today alongside my dear friend and 
colleague, Ranking Member of the Appropriations Committee Rosa DeLauro, 
I introduced a new bill called the Appropriations Compliance and 
Training Act. Unfortunately, this Administration has repeatedly 
demonstrated their lack of understanding and respect for the direction 
provided through the Appropriations process.
  The Power of the Purse rests with the Article I branch here in 
Congress. That is established quite clearly in the Constitution, and it 
has been repeatedly affirmed by the Supreme Court.
  We set policy, we provide direction, and we allocate funds. Then, 
based on those policies, directions, and allocations, the Article II 
branch, the Executive branch, can Execute what we, the Congress, 
dictate on behalf of We the People.
  Instead of recognizing our authority, DOGE, Elon Musk, Russell Vought 
and the rest of the Executive Branch have ignored the will of the 
people. They withhold funds and cancel projects, they move money from 
one purpose to another without legal authority, and they just spend the 
money however they want, regardless of what Congress has directed.
  Our legislation requires senior executive branch employees to 
complete yearly trainings on appropriations law. These trainings would 
include essential legal topics including: the Purpose Statute, the 
Antideficiency Act, and the Impoundment Control Act.
  The trainings will also include a review of the direction provided by 
Congress in the annual Appropriations Act regarding each employee's 
agency so that they are unambiguously instructed of their 
responsibilities vis-a-vis Congress.
  We must ensure that the Executive Branch follows the law and ensures 
Appropriated and obligated funds are used for their intended purpose.
  I urge our colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support this 
commonsense legislation.

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