Russ Vought has been confirmed by the Senate to lead the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), delivering a major win for President Donald Trump’s administration. The final 53-47 vote came after Democrats exhausted every available tactic to derail his nomination, including a 30-hour filibuster filled with speeches opposing Vought’s agenda.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) led the charge against the nomination, calling Vought’s policies extreme and claiming his leadership would be disastrous for the federal workforce. However, Republicans remained united behind Vought, with Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) saying he was confident Vought would help cut excessive spending and roll back burdensome government regulations.
Vought previously served as OMB director under Trump and has been an advocate for conservative fiscal policies. His leadership is expected to bring major changes, particularly in how the executive branch handles federal spending and employee oversight. One of the most controversial issues surrounding his confirmation was his support for Schedule F, which allows for the removal of career bureaucrats who influence policy decisions.
Democrats also raised concerns over Vought’s position on the Impoundment Control Act of 1974, a law that requires agencies to spend all funds allocated by Congress rather than saving any leftover money. Vought has argued that the law is unconstitutional and undermines executive authority, a stance that has drawn sharp criticism from those who want to preserve congressional control over spending.
The Trump administration has already begun efforts to restructure the federal workforce, including eliminating diversity, equity, and inclusion positions and preparing plans for broader agency reforms. With Vought now confirmed, these changes are expected to accelerate.
Following the confirmation, the Senate moved forward with other key nominations, including Tulsi Gabbard for director of national intelligence and Robert F. Kennedy for Health and Human Services secretary. Meanwhile, Democrats managed to delay a vote on Kash Patel for FBI director, pushing the decision back another week.
