Oversight Hearing – U.S. Office of Management and Budget

This House Appropriations Committee oversight hearing on July 1, 2026, focused on the U.S. Office of Management and Budget's (OMB) fiscal year 2027 budget request and related procurement and funding issues. Director Russ Vogt testified regarding the administration's budget priorities, including a $146.1 million request for OMB, a 13.3% increase over FY 2026, and a significant $1.5 trillion defense budget proposal representing a 42% increase. The hearing covered OMB's role in managing supplemental funding requests, such as an $87.6 billion supplemental for FY 2026, including $600 million for GSA capital projects. Members questioned Vogt on OMB's withholding of funds, impoundments, and the controversial proposed rule to impose political litmus tests on federal grants, which would shift grant approval authority to political appointees and potentially override peer-reviewed scientific decisions. The hearing also addressed workforce reductions across federal agencies, the status of funds appropriated for various programs including USAID and CDFIs, and the administration's efforts to improve fiscal accountability and reduce waste, fraud, and abuse. Several members expressed concern about OMB's unilateral actions affecting congressional appropriations and the impact on federal programs and grant recipients. Vogt emphasized OMB's efforts to align spending with presidential priorities and improve oversight, while some members challenged the legality and transparency of these actions. The hearing concluded with commitments to provide further information and continued oversight.