power of the purse

1. The influence that legislatures have over public policy because of their power to vote money for public purposes. The United States Congress must authorize the president's budget requests to fund agencies and programs of the executive branch . ( See appropriation .)

Example Sentences

Johnson also told Politico that he’s been working with House Judiciary Chair Jim Jordan to investigate what else can be done about Smith, asserting that “there has to be some accountability” and noting, “Congress has the power of the purse, of course.”

From Slate

Driven by the hard right, which is flatly opposed to federal spending, they have weaponized and politicized the appropriations process, primarily using the power of the purse — the most basic role of Congress — to push their political message and punish the Biden administration.

From New York Times

Washington State and Oregon State on Tuesday grabbed control of the Pac-12’s governing board and power of the purse that comes with it, at least for now.

From Seattle Times

The committee advanced reforms to enable members of Congress to better fulfill their duties under Article One of the Constitution — including the power of the purse and to conduct oversight.

From Seattle Times

This is inspiring stuff: The 5th Circuit’s respect for Congress’ power of the purse is so profound that its unelected judges have created for themselves a veto over how Congress exercises it.

From Slate