Lawmakers are reacting sharply to the White House’s recent announcement regarding foreign aid funding. The decision to cancel $4.9 billion in foreign aid through a pocket rescission has drawn criticism from both parties. The notification came on Thursday, stating that President Trump intends to redirect these funds, raising alarms about potential legal ramifications and budgetary implications. The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) noted, “Last night, President Trump CANCELED $4.9 billion in America Last foreign aid,” emphasizing a commitment to prioritizing America’s interests.
This controversial move has stirred significant concern among legislators as it attempts to bypass the standard 45-day approval window for rescissions by coming close to the end of the fiscal year. It includes substantial cuts across various foreign aid programs, totaling around $4.9 billion. Specific cuts include $520 million to Contributions to International Organizations, over $390 million from Contributions for International Peacekeeping Activities, and $3 billion in Development Assistance.
Critics like Senate Appropriations Chair Susan Collins have expressed their disapproval, calling it “an apparent attempt to rescind appropriated funds without congressional approval.” She pointed out that the Government Accountability Office has indicated the legality of this style of rescission under the Impoundment Control Act is questionable. Collins firmly stated, “Any effort to rescind appropriated funds without congressional approval is a clear violation of the law.” She advocates for a bipartisan approach to manage budget cuts, insisting that “the appropriate way is to identify ways to reduce excessive spending through the bipartisan, annual appropriations process.”
Furthermore, tensions are rising as this action is poised to disrupt ongoing negotiations to keep the government operational. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer has already issued a warning, suggesting that further efforts to retract federally approved funding could jeopardize bipartisan cooperation. Schumer remarked that the unlawful pocket rescission package is further proof President Trump and Congressional Republicans are hellbent on rejecting bipartisanship and “going it alone” this fall.
With the September 30th deadline on the horizon, Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries had communicated with House Speaker Mike Johnson and Senate Majority Leader John Thune, seeking clarification about potential forthcoming rescissions. Schumer’s assertion reflects the gravity of the situation, stating, “As the country stares down next month’s government funding deadline… it is clear neither President Trump nor Congressional Republicans have any plan to avoid a painful and entirely unnecessary shutdown.” He added that these actions may elevate health care costs and compromise vital services and national security, illustrating the far-reaching impacts of the administration’s funding strategy.
As Congress grapples with these mounting fiscal challenges, the implications of the pocket rescission are still unfolding, emphasizing the ongoing struggle between executive action and legislative authority. The outcome of this confrontation could shape both immediate and long-term financial policy, influencing how government funds are allocated in the future.
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