Dear editor,

America deserves leaders who prioritize the public good, not those pushing extreme agendas that undermine democracy and harm everyday Americans. The Senate must reject Russ Vought’s nomination as director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB).

As Donald Trump’s former OMB director, Vought’s track record speaks volumes. He championed budgets proposing massive cuts to Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security — programs millions of Americans rely on for their health and well-being. He advocated for reckless brinkmanship around the debt ceiling, risking economic chaos, and his role in crafting Project 2025 reveals a disturbing plan to consolidate executive power and politicize federal institutions.

Vought also supports reinstating “Schedule F,” a policy designed to purge federal employees based on ideology, and the Holman Rule, which targets individual federal workers. These dangerous policies would strip away institutional protections and foster division within our government.

Leadership should be rooted in integrity, transparency, and service to the people. Russ Vought’s history of withholding critical information, supporting harmful policies, and advancing a far-right agenda makes him unfit for this role.

The Senate has a responsibility to uphold democracy and protect the interests of the American people. For the sake of our nation’s future, they must vote no on Russ Vought’s nomination.

Sincerely,

MARY O’NEILL,

Presque Isle