Trump informs Congress he will claw back another $1 billion through ‘pocket rescissions’

President Donald Trump told Congress on Friday that he has unilaterally canceled almost $1 billion in federal funding without their consent through a “pocket rescission” maneuver. The money the president is attempting to claw back is designated for immigration services, support to foreign countries, education programs, health research efforts and assistance for businesses owned by minorities, though it will likely face legal challenges after the midterms, according to Politico.
Trump can only send a request to rescind federal funding to Congress and then withhold that money for 45 days while lawmakers weigh whether to approve, reject or ignore it, according to federal law. 
The White House Office of Management and Budget described the funding cut as focused on “the most harmful government spending,” according to the Associated Press, and most of the cuts are focused on Health and Human Services programs that serve refugees and unaccompanied minors in the country illegally. 
Another main target is a Department of Education program for migrant and foreign students.
Maine Republican Sen. Susan Collins blasted the move as illegal and claimed it came without warning or consultation with Congress.
“Not only is the delay itself an impoundment that was not reported to Congress, but also it is a usurpation of Congress’s appropriations powers,” Collins said. “OMB is an agency of the executive branch. It does not get to decide which programs are worth funding.”
The move comes after the president clawed back $9 billion in federal funding last year, though those actions were supported by Congress in a rescission package.
Misty Severi is a news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage. 

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