Trump’s pick for budget director won’t say whether he would release Ukraine aid WSOC TV [Video]

WASHINGTON — (AP) — Russell Vought, President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee for White House budget director, declined Wednesday to fully commit to doling out congressionally approved funds, specifically U.S. military aid to Ukraine.

Vought faced questions at his confirmation hearing over his tenure as director of the Office and Management and Budget during Trump’s first term. He stressed that he would follow the law, even as he emphasized Trump’s desire to overturn the 1974 Impoundment Control Act that requires congressional approval to rescind spending.

Sen. Gary Peters, D-Mich., accused him of withholding $214 million in military aid for Ukraine in 2019, an event that led to Trump’s first impeachment.

“I will always commit to upholding the law,” said Vought, an answer that did not satisfy Peters.

As the hearings continued, Vought’s answer changed somewhat when Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., asked if he would approve the distribution of $3.8 billion in aid for Ukraine for its ongoing war against …