Article II: Failure to Faithfully Execute the Laws of the United States

The Constitution requires executive officers to faithfully execute laws enacted by Congress. Russell Thurlow Vought failed to faithfully execute Federal spending laws by implementing policies that substituted executive branch priorities for statutory requirements enacted by Congress. Specifically, the Office of Management and Budget directed agencies to review Federal financial assistance programs before continuing implementation of congressionally authorized spending. The executive branch conditioned implementation of certain spending programs on compliance with Administration priorities rather than solely on requirements enacted by Congress. Federal courts have reviewed challenges to executive branch funding pauses and issued preliminary relief in cases involving Federal financial assistance. The Administration’s funding restrictions affected programs funded through congressional appropriations, including grants and assistance programs. The Government Accountability Office has noted that the Congressional Budget and Impoundment Control Act of 1974 prohibits officers and employees from withholding or delaying budget authority unless authorized under the statute. The Government Accountability Office has maintained that changes to spending priorities should be addressed through the legislative process between Congress and the Administration rather than through unilateral withholding of appropriated funds. By failing to execute appropriations according to congressional directives and instead implementing policies that expanded executive control over Federal spending, Russell Thurlow Vought violated his obligation to faithfully execute the law. Wherefore, Russell Thurlow Vought warrants impeachment and trial, and removal from office.