North Michigan News

Budget Committee Oversight Task Force Chairman Jack Bergman and House Budget Committee Chairman Jodey Arrington have called on the Biden Administration to be accountable and transparent regarding the funding of the Ukraine war. In a letter sent to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Shalanda Young, the lawmakers demanded a clear accounting of the United States' funding of the conflict.

The letter, signed by Bergman and Arrington, expressed concern over the lack of transparency regarding the Biden Administration's strategy for providing assistance to Ukraine. It highlighted the fact that Congress has already provided $114 billion in supplemental appropriations for the conflict, but there is still no clear picture of how these funds are being utilized.

"It is imperative that the Biden Administration be accountable, transparent, and most importantly, honest, with the American people about funding for Ukraine," the letter stated. "As you are aware, it is Congress that has the power of the purse, and there's no excuse for Congress to be unaware of how congressionally appropriated funds are being spent."

Bergman and Arrington called for a full accounting of expenditures, transfers, and reprogrammed funds, as well as obligations, apportionments, and outlays for each appropriations account providing assistance to Ukraine. They emphasized that this information is crucial for Congressional oversight and to inform potential legislation.

The lawmakers demanded that OMB Director Young provide a full crosscutting report on U.S. government-wide expenditures for Ukraine and "countries impacted by the situation in Ukraine" since February 24, 2022. They also requested a detailed explanation of all legal authorities utilized by the Biden Administration for expenditures related to Russia's war in Ukraine and security assistance related to the conflict.

The letter also highlighted the OMB's lack of compliance with previous requests for information on the Ukraine War. It mentioned Senator J.D. Vance and several House Budget Committee members who had previously called on the OMB for accounting but had yet to receive adequate information in response.

The House Budget Committee, which has jurisdiction over the budget process, is responsible for ensuring spending and revenue decisions are transparent and effectively carried out by the Executive Branch. It has a duty to elicit accurate information about expenditures from the Executive Branch to keep the federal government accountable to the American people.

The letter from Bergman and Arrington serves as a reminder of the importance of transparency and accountability in government funding. As the conflict in Ukraine continues, it is crucial for the American people to have a clear understanding of how their tax dollars are being utilized. The Biden Administration must fulfill its obligation to provide the requested accounting and ensure that Congress and the public are kept informed.

Click this link to access more information: https://bergman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1136