House Appropriations Chair Tom Cole and White House budget chief Russ Vought are preparing to meet amid Republican concerns about delays in President Trump’s fiscal plans, including a “skinny” budget and a major spending cuts package.
House Republicans Await White House Fiscal Plans
House Appropriations Chair Tom Cole will meet with White House budget chief Russ Vought this week as pressure mounts on the administration to release key financial documents. GOP lawmakers are concerned that delays could affect the fiscal 2026 appropriations timeline.
Skepticism Grows Over Timing of Budget and Spending Cuts
Republicans expect both a “skinny budget” and a $9.3 billion rescissions package to be submitted to Congress this week. However, some lawmakers are beginning to doubt whether the administration will meet that deadline, raising concerns about staying on schedule for budget negotiations.
Importance of the “Skinny Budget” for Fiscal Planning
A “skinny budget” — a basic fiscal outline typically provided by newly inaugurated presidents — would serve as a guide for lawmakers as they prepare full appropriations legislation. Cole emphasized the urgency, stating the goal is to have all spending bills passed out of committee before the August break.
Uncertainty Surrounds $9.3 Billion Rescissions Package
The Trump administration’s rescissions package, aimed at cutting $9.3 billion from current spending, remains under review. Appropriators are awaiting the opportunity to vet the package before it is formally introduced, as the proposal could face challenges in Congress.
Legal and Political Risks of Spending Cuts
While administration officials argue that President Trump could legally “impound” — or withhold — the allocated funds, past rescission efforts faced Senate opposition. Lawmakers from swing districts could also resist cuts to programs such as the State Department, USAID, NPR, and PBS.
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