***IMMEDIATE ACTION***FIGHT THE FREEZE AND PREVENT RUSSELL VOUGHT FROM BEING CONFIRMED AS OMB DIRECTOR (2/5/25)
As early as Thursday, Russell Vought, a Christian nationalist extremist, author of Project 2025, and the man behind the funding freeze that brought vital health programs, lifesaving research infrastructure investment and much more here and abroad to a screeching halt, might be up for confirmation as OMB Director. Although his belief that presidents can withhold and even redirect congressionally mandated spending, should, by itself, be disqualifying, GOP Senators, fearful of Trump’s and Musk’s wrath, remain unconcerned, requiring Democrats to do everything in their power to prevent this dangerous outcome.
The chaos and confusion of the unsuccessful funding freeze and Musk’s takeover of various government agencies are merely hints of what will occur if Vought’s confirmed—people locked out of Medicaid and Head Start portals, cancer treatment research halted, tribes unable to access funds to protect sacred sites, seniors relying on food assistance left wondering about their next meal, federal employees fearful of losing their jobs. In the days since, Trump and Musk have continued to unlawfully hollow out the federal government.
Senators Merkley and Wyden have been leading the charge against Trump’s outrageous nominations, for which we are thankful, but they need to do more—convincing their colleagues to commit to slowing down, and possibly preventing, Vought’s and other controversial confirmations, making sure that all Senate business grinds to a halt until this coup is reversed and Musk is sent home.
In addition to voting “no” on Vought and all other pending nominees, Democrats must:
Place blanket holds on them all until Congress affirms that the Impoundment Act of 1974 is the law of the land and Trump’s and Musk’s coup is reversed;
Use every procedural tool available—forcing roll-call votes and quorum calls, blocking unanimous consent, and using all 30 hours of debate on Vought to expose Project 2025, Musk’s Treasury and other takeovers, and the funding freeze;
Hold Republicans accountable for their failure to oppose Trump’s and Musk’s unconstitutional behavior.
ACTION One: Call the Senate.
SEN. MERKLEY: Portland office: 503-326-3386 | D.C. office: 202-224-3753
SEN. WYDEN: Portland office: 503-326-7525 | D.C. office: 202-224-5244
