More specifically, Congress, which doesn't always align with the Executive. Congress largely sets the spending (or not) agenda. The Executive can ask nicely but

More specifically, Congress, which doesn't always align with the Executive. Congress largely sets the spending (or not) agenda. The Executive can ask nicely but Congress mostly does what it does. Outside of retirees, much of the social safety net is funded at the State level. There is a wide variance in the benefits and quality of the social safety net across States.