With less than a week until the federal government runs out of funding, Republicans and Democrats remain at an impasse over a new spending agreement. Meanwhile, the Trump administration is signaling that a shutdown could become an opportunity to permanently shrink the federal workforce.
Russell Vought was confirmed as the new director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) in a 53-47 Senate vote. Known for advocating conservative fiscal policies, Vought is tasked with managing looming fiscal challenges, including averting a government shutdown and addressing the debt ceiling. His confirmation reinforces the administration’s goal of reshaping federal spending through deep cuts, particularly in social programs like Medicaid, and pushing for expanded presidential control over budget decisions.
