From NPR · · 4m
Democrats plan to block Trump's D.C. building spree
With control of Congress, Democrats say they will use funding cuts and investigations to stop Trump's construction projects in Washington.
In brief
With control of Congress, Democrats say they will use funding cuts and investigations to stop Trump's construction projects in Washington. Democrats vow to use congressional power over funding and oversight to block Trump's D.C. construction projects, though experts say only funding cuts are likely to succeed…
Trump remakes Washington after midterm loss
President Trump has dominated his second term by remaking Washington, D.C., even after his party's resounding midterm defeat. He declared his gilded Oval Office a national monument.
Major construction projects reshape the capital
Trump's administration has downed hundreds of trees at East Potomac Park and demolished the East Wing of the White House to make space for a ballroom.Projects range from a triumphal arch to Kennedy Center renovations.
Trump bypassed Congress on construction
Trump took a uniquely unilateral approach, packing regulatory commissions with allies and bypassing Congress entirely. Most projects now play out in court as critics accuse the administration of skirting federal laws.
Democrats vow to push back on vanity projects
Democrats have vowed to use their soon-to-be congressional majority to push back on what they describe as Trump's vanity projects.
Huffman: Trump plays catch me if you can
Rep. Jared Huffman, D.-Calif., said the Trump administration has played this game of Catch Me If You Can, rolling ahead with bulldozers and tree cutters while waiting for courts to shut them down.
“played this game of Catch Me If You Can, where they roll ahead with the bulldozers and the tree cutters”
Huffman will lead Natural Resources Committee
Huffman, the top Democrat on the House Natural Resources Committee, says blocking Trump's construction projects and holding people accountable will be a top priority. The committee has legislative purview over public lands and national parks.
Huffman sent letters ordering record preservation
Earlier this week, Huffman sent letters ordering dozens of administration officials and private companies to preserve their records for a future investigation into the construction projects.
Democrats have many tools but only two work
Democrats have many tools at their disposal, from legislation to lawsuits. But experts say only two are likely to succeed: funding and oversight.
Legislation blocked by Trump's veto power
Congress could pass laws to block specific projects.Some Democratic lawmakers have already introduced bills to protect the Kennedy Center and prohibit the arch at Memorial Circle.
“veto everything”
Funding cuts are the realistic option
David Super, who teaches administrative and constitutional law at Georgetown, said legislation is the cleanest way but not achievable. Democrats are likely to cut off funds instead, their ultimate tool.
Trump never sought authorization for projects
Trump has neither sought nor received congressional authorization for projects like the arch and the White House ballroom.He maintains he does not need it.
Pingree: Congress has the power of the purse
Rep. Chellie Pingree of Maine, the top Democrat on the House committee overseeing Interior Department funding, said Congress should have been involved because it has the power of the purse. That is their ultimate tool.
Democrats could redirect national park fees
Some of Trump's D.C.-area beautification projects have been funded at least in part by diverted national park entrance fees.
December funding bill offers immediate opportunity
Congress must pass a short-term funding bill by December eleven to avoid a government shutdown.Democrats could use that opportunity to limit funding for Trump's construction projects.
Pingree: People want the trees and arch stopped
Pingree said people want the president to stop cutting down trees on the golf course and stop trying to take it over.
Democrats will use every tool in their toolbox
Pingree said after the first of the year, Democrats will use every tool in their toolbox. She has been surprised how strongly people feel about these projects, even people well outside D.C.
“After the first of the year, we will use every tool in our toolbox.”
Congress can hold hearings and demand accountability
Whether or not projects move forward, Congress can provide a fuller public accounting of how they came to be.
Oversight may lead to future policy change
The committee investigating January sixth did not stop Trump from pardoning Capitol rioters, but it did lead Congress to pass an electoral reform act. Oversight can often lead to policy change in the longer term.
In short
Democrats vow to use congressional power over funding and oversight to block Trump's D.C. construction projects, though experts say only funding cuts are likely to succeed.
