Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., questioned Linda McMahon on Thursday about the spending of congressionally appropriated funds in her confirmation hearing for education secretary.
Watch in our player above.
"When Congress appropriates money, it is the administration's responsibility to put that out as directed by Congress, who has the power of the purse. So what will you do if the president or Elon Musk tells you not to spend money Congress has appropriated to you?"
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In the second Trump administration, Murray has been vocal about honoring Congress' constitutional authority on appropriating federal funds. However, President Donald Trump has argued that the executive branch should have more power in that arena, claiming that presidents are legally able to impound congressionally appropriated money. Most experts agree there are only very narrow pathways for a president to stop congressionally approved funding. Meanwhile, Musk and employees of the newly established Department of Government Efficiency have been auditing federal agencies to find potential funding cuts.
"We will certainly expend those dollars that Congress has passed, but I do think it is worthwhile to take a look at the programs before money goes out the door," McMahon said as Murray pressed her. "It is much easier to stop the money as it's going out the door than it is to claw it
back."
Watch Murray's full questioning of McMahon below.
McMahon appeared before the Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions.
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She is a former pro-wrestling executive who led the Small Business Administration during Trump's first term. She has a brief background in education policy, serving about a year on the Connecticut State Board of Education.
The Trump administration, along with efficiency czar Musk, is already moving forward with plans to dismantle the Department of Education, which McMahon would lead if confirmed.