UnidosUS Urges Senators to Reject Russell Vought as OMB Director

WASHINGTON, DC — The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) plays a critical role in overseeing programs that millions of Americans rely on, including Medicaid, Head Start, disaster relief and Social Security. These programs provide health care, early childhood education, emergency assistance and financial security that empower working-class Hispanic communities. The OMB’s decisions determine how federal resources are allocated, ensuring that essential services reach those most in need. However, under reckless leadership, these lifelines can be slashed, leaving working-class Americans, including Latinos, struggling to get by.

“Last week’s OMB’s federal action freezing federal funds was a debacle that put at risk critical programs that serve as lifelines for working-class families. While this action was temporarily blocked by the courts, it was a reckless and unlawful overreach of executive power — spearheaded by Russell Vought — that is reason enough to oppose his nomination for OMB Director. The halting of federal funding, which came without warning and implemented with complete disregard of the law, created chaos across the country and threw schools, charitable organizations and critical government programs into turmoil.

“Vought is an extremist who has a long track record of working to undermine and slash funding for vital programs in health care, food assistance and public education that support families striving for economic security and opportunities, including millions of Latino families. His record makes it clear he is more focused on advancing an agenda that benefits the wealthy and powerful while leaving working-class families behind.

“And since Vought told Senators in his confirmation hearing that he believes the president should have unchecked power over federal spending, efforts to freeze, stop or redirect federal funds away from areas where Congress intended will undoubtedly continue under Vought’s leadership. This threatens to impact all Americans, no matter where they live and who they voted for in 2024. As such, UnidosUS urges U.S. senators to vote ‘no’ on Russell Vought’s nomination for Director of OMB.

“Lastly, we extend our deep appreciation to U.S. Senators Alex Padilla (D-CA), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Ron Wyden (D-OR) and Bernie Sanders (I-VT) for raising important issues and concerns during Vought’s confirmation hearing. Ensuring that communities impacted by devastating natural disasters continue to receive the resources they need, and that programs such as Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security, along with others that provide nutritional assistance, college loans and the Child Tax Credit continue to be protected and funded, should be among the top priorities for anyone chosen to fill this role.”

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