The Trump administration announced a pocket rescission targeting nearly $1 billion in federal funds, including HHS and education money for noncitizens. Sen. Susan Collins called it unlawful; the GAO says the practice is barred by the Impoundment Control Act.
Administration figures included $567 million from HHS funds for noncitizens, $15 million from Biden-era DHS programs providing welfare to people it called “illegal aliens,” and $25 million from education programs for noncitizens, plus cuts elsewhere. Collins separately said Congress received an $810 million package without warning and accused OMB of withholding funds for months to carry out the cancellation.
GAO describes a pocket rescission as a request for Congress to cancel funding near fiscal year-end, before it could be used for new obligations. It says the timing can prevent Congress from using its allotted 45 days to respond; the fiscal year ends September 30. The administration cited presidential authority under the Impoundment Control Act, while OMB said it would use every fiscal tool to deliver savings.
