I can't find a direct quote, but many Republicans seem to be blaming President Obama for "runaway spending". But is he spending money that Congress did not authorize him to spend? I haven't seen any such criticism.
"The Congress shall have Power To lay and collect Taxes, Duties, Imposts and Excises, to pay the
Debts and provide for the common Defence and general Welfare of the United States; but all
Duties, Imposts and Excises shall be uniform throughout the United States;
"To borrow Money on the credit of the United States;" - U.S. Constitution, Article I, Section 8
"No Money shall be drawn from the Treasury, but in Consequence of Appropriations made by
Law; and a regular Statement and Account of the Receipts and Expenditures of all public Money
shall be published from time to time." - U.S. Constitustion, Article I, Section 9
So, if President Obama is spending money or borrowing money for which he had no authorization, I haven't seen any such specific complaint.
Republicans in the House are stating that the people sent them to "cut spending". But one could also say that the people gave the President another term and elected a predominantly Democratic Senate to "increase spending". Either case overs implies the myriad of reasons people have for voting for particular candidates. In fact, I would call any claim of "mandate" or a specific mission hubris.
If the Republicans are really serious about cutting spending they would simply pass a budget to their liking. One would hope they would also cut Federal spending in their own district, but fat chance of that. Now the next trick would be to get the Senate to go along. If they could do that, then there would be a budget bill to send to the President. If he vetoes it, then the House and Senate will need enough votes to override the veto. These probably don't exist.
So, adults would determine what they can agree on and get that in the budget. But many in Congress grandstand to please their "base" rather than do some real work for all of the people.
But we shouldn't complain too much. The government was designed this way over two hundred years ago.
