Sen. John Kennedy’s Budget Proposal Remarks

On Wednesday, Louisiana Republican Senator John Kennedy suggested that management and Budget Director Russell Vought might be underestimating the likelihood of New York Democrat Senator Chuck Schumer allowing a vote on budget measures, jokingly implying they were “using marijuana.”

The White House presented a retirement package exceeding $9.5 billion to Congress on June 3. This package formalizes some of the budget cuts recommended by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which includes slashing funding for public broadcasting and the US International Development Agency. During a Senate Budget Committee hearing, where Vought was addressing the rescue package, Kennedy humorously noted the disruptions caused by protesters.

“I apologize to the Director for the interruptions. You can bet these protesters are covered under the District of Columbia’s legislative rules,” he remarked, hinting at ongoing disruptions.

Kennedy also discussed personal attacks Vought faced from Democrats opposed to the rescue plan. He expressed skepticism, noting, “Some colleagues accuse you of everything and suggest your children are thrown to the wolves. They claim you’re undermining the integrity of the spending process. But I have to ask, what integrity? I’m proud to be part of this committee. Last year, we passed 11 out of 12 minibuses sent to my friend, Senator Schumer.”

“Do you really think he’ll allow a budget vote?” Kennedy questioned. “If that’s true, then you must be out of your mind. All we seem to have are continuing resolutions and withdrawal packages.”

The House is reportedly looking to limit spending referenced by DOGE, which noted a narrow 214-212 vote on June 12.

DOGE has identified $180 billion in potential savings since its establishment under Trump, averaging about $1,118 per taxpayer. For more details, the department outlines these savings and categorizes them across contracts and grants on its website.