Maine Senator Faces Scrutiny Over Appropriations Oversight and Iran Conflict
Senator Susan Collins of Maine, who chairs the influential Senate Appropriations Committee, has not initiated an investigation into the White House’s actions regarding the invasion of Iran or the potential illegal withholding of federal funds.
As the Republican head of the Appropriations Committee, Collins holds a significant role in crafting federal budgets and ensuring compliance. The committee has the authority to probe any improper expenditure of funds by the executive branch and leverage future budget allocations to uphold congressional oversight, often described as Congress’ “power of the purse.”
In early 2025, the Trump administration blocked the distribution of billions of dollars in approved funds, challenging congressional authority. Legal experts suggest this action may have breached the Impoundment Control Act of 1974, which limits presidential discretion over budgetary decisions.
George Mason University law professor Ilya Somin expressed concern, stating, “No other modern president has tried this on such an enormous scale. If allowed to stand, it would enable the president to both seize control over hundreds of billions of dollars in federal funds and coerce state and local governments by imposing grant conditions not authorized by Congress.” (source)
The White House continues to allocate over $1 billion daily for the Iranian conflict, despite lacking congressional approval for the war or its expenses.
Collins’ perceived inaction contrasts with her previous statements. In 2023, she emphasized on the Bottom Line podcast the importance of congressional control over federal spending, saying, “It’s Congress that controls the power of the purse under the Constitution, and we should not cede all that authority to the executive branch.”
During a 2024 interview with WGAN radio, Collins reiterated, “The power of the purse is a constitutional obligation of Congress and, arguably, our most important responsibility as envisioned by the founders of this nation.”
In July 2025, both the House and Senate passed a rescissions bill terminating funding for certain agencies affected by the White House’s fund withholding, with only Republican support. Collins chose not to back this bill and also voted against a proposal requiring committee review of the bill.
Recently, Collins opposed a war powers resolution that would necessitate the White House to either withdraw troops from Iran or seek congressional approval to continue the military engagement. Financial disclosures reveal that Collins has profited approximately $25,000 from oil and gas investments since the onset of the Iran war.
Collins is currently campaigning for a sixth term, with her Democratic challenger to be determined in the upcoming June 9 primary.
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