Senate Committee Examines Trump's Pick for OMB Deputy Director

Why It Matters

The Senate Budget Committee held a business meeting on July 22 to consider the nomination of Hal Duncan to serve as deputy director of the Office of Management and Budget. The meeting also became an opportunity for senators to honor the late Sen. Lindsey Graham, whose death earlier this month reshaped committee leadership and Senate dynamics.

The Core Dispute

Sen. Ron Johnson (R-WI), the committee's new chairman, voiced strong support for Duncan. Johnson said he had worked with Duncan for approximately 18 months on budget management initiatives, including oversight of roughly $100 million appropriated during the first reconciliation package.

Duncan committed during his June 16 confirmation hearing to being relentless in pursuing a federal government that spends taxpayer dollars wisely, delivers services efficiently and reduces regulatory burdens.

Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-OR), the committee's ranking member, argued that Duncan failed to communicate with Democratic members during his previous work at OMB. Merkley said questions for the record received no timely response or, in some cases, what he characterized as complete obfuscation.

"He stonewalled bipartisan cooperation or information," Merkley said, urging the committee to reject the nomination outright.

Background And Context

Duncan's nomination was received by the Senate on April 27. He testified before the Senate Budget Committee on June 16. The July 22 business meeting marked the committee's formal consideration of his nomination.

According to the Revolving Door Project, Duncan's nomination reflects what the organization describes as a broader effort by OMB to undermine congressional authority. The organization argues that Russell Vought and President Donald Trump have transformed OMB into a tool to disregard Congress as a coequal branch.

The Hill reported that President Trump's most direct assault on Congress's constitutional power of the purse is his repeated assertion that he may implement cuts to federal programs after Congress has declined to enact them. Merkley echoed that concern, arguing there is a constitutional understanding, reinforced twice by the Supreme Court, that the power of the purse cannot be delegated to the president.

Deputy OMB director nominations have routinely undergone Senate confirmation over the past two decades. Shalanda Young was confirmed as deputy director during the Biden administration before later becoming OMB director. Russell Vought has also undergone Senate confirmation for OMB leadership positions in multiple administrations.

A Hearing Shadowed By Loss

The meeting was convened in part to allow senators to pay tribute to Graham, who died earlier this month. The committee unanimously waived its standard 72-hour notice requirement to proceed with the meeting.

Johnson recalled a conversation with Graham during a bus trip at Mar-a-Lago while lawmakers were planning the first reconciliation package. Johnson said Graham confided that his foreign policy work had taken a toll on his personal life and health. Johnson described Graham as a friend to everyone who demonstrated how senators could work together despite political differences.

Johnson also said he and Graham frequently worked behind the scenes on amendments and appropriations despite public disagreements.

Political stakes

If confirmed, Duncan would become deputy director of the Office of Management and Budget within the Executive Office of the President. The National Taxpayers Union said Duncan possesses the experience, judgment and commitment to public service needed to help lead OMB.

For Democrats, the nomination raises broader questions about transparency, responsiveness and congressional access to OMB leadership. As deputy director, Duncan would help oversee implementation of the administration's budget and management priorities across the executive branch.

What's next

The committee approved Duncan's nomination and reported it to the full Senate following the business meeting. The nomination now awaits consideration by the full Senate.

The debate surrounding Duncan's nomination also reflects broader disputes over executive authority that are likely to resurface during future OMB nominations and appropriations battles. Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) has also criticized OMB's withholding of congressionally appropriated funds, illustrating that concerns about executive authority extend beyond partisan lines.

Axios reported on OMB's proposed grantmaking overhaul on June 1, indicating the agency is pursuing structural reforms beyond personnel changes.

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