Russ Vought has been confirmed as director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), delivering a significant victory for the Trump administration despite Democrats’ attempts to stall the vote. The final 53-47 decision came after a prolonged 30-hour filibuster by Senate Democrats, who failed to stop his nomination.
Vought previously led OMB under President Donald Trump and is known for his strong stance on cutting government waste and increasing executive control over federal agencies. His return to the agency is expected to accelerate efforts to reform government hiring practices and eliminate bureaucratic resistance to conservative policies.
Democrats, led by Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), fiercely opposed Vought’s nomination, claiming that he would undermine federal agencies and disrupt government operations. Schumer called Vought’s policy positions “radical” and warned that his leadership would lead to major changes in Washington.
Vought’s backing of Schedule F, which would make it easier to remove entrenched bureaucrats who influence policy, has been a major point of concern for Democrats. His confirmation strengthens the Trump administration’s ability to bypass career employees who have historically worked to block conservative reforms.
Another point of contention was Vought’s criticism of the Impoundment Control Act of 1974, a law that forces federal agencies to spend all funds allocated by Congress rather than saving or reallocating unspent money. Vought has argued that this law encourages wasteful spending and prevents the executive branch from managing funds efficiently. Democrats strongly oppose any challenge to the law, fearing it would weaken their influence over federal budgets.
With Vought now in place, the Trump administration is moving forward with additional Cabinet appointments. The Senate is expected to vote on Tulsi Gabbard for director of national intelligence and Robert F. Kennedy for Health and Human Services secretary. Meanwhile, Democrats have temporarily delayed a vote on Kash Patel for FBI director.
