The White House says it is seeking to cancel nearly $1 billion in Congress-approved spending through a late-year “pocket rescission.” With the fiscal year ending Wednesday, funds could be withheld until they expire; some lawmakers say the tactic is unlawful.
The White House listed $567 million for services for refugees, asylees and other migrants; $50 million for other programs aiding immigrants and noncitizens; $70 million in international education grants and fellowships; and $56 million in Housing and Urban Development programs. Those items total $743 million. Sen. Susan Collins said lawmakers were informed of $810 million in rescissions, while the article describes the overall amount as nearly $1 billion; it does not reconcile the figures.
The Impoundment Control Act gives Congress 45 legislative days to approve proposed rescissions; the article says funds proposed for cancellation late in the fiscal year can effectively be withheld until they expire. The administration used the tactic in 2025 to cancel $4.9 billion in foreign aid. The Supreme Court allowed that cancellation but did not rule on its merits. Collins said the Government Accountability Office has called pocket rescissions illegal.
