Noun
power of the purse (uncountable)
(government, idiomatic) The control of finances by one group used as a check on the power of another group.
Congress has the power of the purse and can choose not to pay for a Presidential policy with which they disagree.
Synonym: hold the purse strings
...When we sink, we become a revolutionary proletariat, but when we rise, there rises also our terrible power of the purse. Theodor Herzl
Mr. President, esteemed colleagues, once more we are tasked to exercise the power of the purse in the enactment of this Supplemental Appropriations for 2014. I therefore ask for the swift passage of the measure. Francis Escudero
The exclusive right to declare war, the duty to advise and consent on the part of the Senate, the power of the purse on the part of the House are ample authority for the legislative branch and should be jealously guarded. Gerald Ford
When we sink, we become a revolutionary proletariat, the subordinate officers of all revolutionary parties; at the same time, when we rise, there rises also our terrible power of the purse. Theodor Herzl