Dear Friend,

I hope you and your loved ones are well.

I want to start by acknowledging how unsettling these times are. I know that many of you are feeling frustrated and concerned with the Trump Administration’s recent actions. Whether it’s granting Elon Musk’s team access to private U.S. Treasury payments, dissolving the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), or threatening a trade war with our allies, I hear you. I am doing everything in my power to hold this Administration accountable and protect the people and businesses of Illinois’ 11th District.

I wanted to take a moment to address a question I’ve been asked a lot in recent days: “What are you and your colleagues in Congress doing to stop these harmful actions?”

Here are some powers the Constitution gives Congress:

• Congress’ power of the purse
  
  The Constitution is clear on Congress’ power of the purse.
  
  The Administration’s directive to “impound” funds appropriated by Congress is widely believed to be unconstitutional. Even though Trump and his allies rescinded the memo calling for an across-the-board freeze, they are continuing to block these funds from being used.
  
  We are fighting them in the courts, and two federal judges have already blocked Trump's unlawful funding freeze.

• Congress’ power to investigate
  
  Although Democrats are in the minority this Congress, we can call and question important witnesses, work with whistleblowers to uncover vital information, and make the public aware of our findings.
  
  As the lead Democrat on the House Financial Services subcommittee overseeing U.S. banks, I will have the opportunity to directly question Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, under oath and in person. I will use this power to demand answers about Elon Musk’s team’s access to Treasury payment systems and hold the Administration accountable for any illegal acts.
  
  Outside formal hearings, I have already joined my colleagues in challenging many of the Trump Administration’s Executive Orders in writing.

• Congress’ power to challenge presidential actions in court
  
  Congress can, in many instances, bring a legal claim against Trump directly in the Courts. When we don't have the direct legal standing to do so, we can instead support our constituents and their advocates who file these suits.
  
  As I mentioned above, we’ve already seen the lower courts block some of the Administration’s orders, and there will be many more legal actions to come.

• Congress’ power to impeach

Articles of impeachment can be introduced by Members of either party, but the majority in Congress (Republicans, in this case) decide whether it moves forward.

We’ve already seen significant victories. While there are limits to our power (e.g., the Republican majority controls which bills get voted on, only the Senate can vote on cabinet nominees, and we cannot stop the President from issuing Executive Orders), we have significant influence. Trump was already forced to reverse his illegal funding freeze and delay his tariffs on Mexico and Canada due to our efforts and the overwhelming public backlash against these actions.

That’s why staying informed and engaged is crucial. Ultimately, the public’s voice is going to play an essential role in pushing back against this Administration’s dangerous actions. Through newsletters like these, my social media channels, and town halls I host in the district, online, and over the phone, I will continue to keep you informed on what’s happening in Washington and what I’m doing to hold this Administration accountable. Thank you for staying engaged on the issues that matter most to you. Together, we will continue to fight for a government that works for all of us.

Sincerely,

Bill Foster
Member of Congress