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House GOP blocks Rep. Subramanyam’s funding amendments
The Virginia Democrat said the measures were meant to strengthen oversight and prevent misuse of federal funds.
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Malvika Choudhary - Thu, 15, Jan 2026
- 10:48 EST
- 26
Suhas Subramanyam / A screen grab of Congressman Suhas Subramanyan speaking on the House floor
Indian American Congressman Suhas Subramanyam proposed multiple amendments to government funding bills in the House, all of which were dismissed by the Republican majority.
The amendments were aimed at restricting aspects of President Donald Trump’s foreign policy and blocking the use of federal funds for the personal benefit of the President, his family, or senior administration officials.
Also Read: Virginia Rep. Subramanyam eyes second term in Congress
“Instead of focusing on lowering inflation and making life more affordable, Trump has spent most of his presidency alienating our allies, hurting our global standing, and enriching himself and his billionaire friends,” Subramanyam said in a statement.
“I can’t stand idly by while Trump makes unilateral decisions about our foreign policy, especially when it personally benefits him. Congress can and should rein in Trump and his administration,” he added.
Among the amendments was Subramanyam’s COST of Relocations Act, which would require a cost-benefit analysis before federal offices or agencies are moved out of the Washington, D.C., region.
Other proposals would have barred the use of federal funds to benefit the personal finances of Trump, the Trump Organization, or the business interests of the President, his Cabinet members, or political appointees.
He also proposed amendments related to U.S. policy toward Venezuela, including a measure to prohibit funds from being used to compensate individuals or companies, including oil firms, for work connected to building or rebuilding oil infrastructure there.
Additional amendments sought to block funding for infrastructure projects in Venezuela unless explicitly authorized by Congress and unless nutrition benefit cuts enacted under H.R. 1 are reversed.
Subramanyam further sought to prohibit the use of funds until the U.S. Agency for International Development is reopened and to bar any federal spending on efforts to purchase or annex Greenland from the Kingdom of Denmark.
The episode comes as Congress remains divided over the Trump administration’s foreign policy direction, including its approach to allies, Venezuela and foreign assistance programs, and over how much authority lawmakers should assert over major executive branch decisions.
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