On Friday, the White House announced plans to block $810 million in funding that had been previously approved by Congress, a move reminiscent of President Trump's earlier attempt to rescind $4.9 billion in foreign aid.
This action, known as a pocket rescission, is controversial as it allows the president to request the blocking of funds so close to the fiscal year's end that Congress may not have adequate time to respond.
The White House cited the Impoundment Control Act (ICA) as justification for this authority; however, the Government Accountability Office has indicated that the ICA does not permit withholding funds that Congress has not approved for rescission.
Senator Susan Collins, a Republican from Maine and chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, criticized the move, asserting that it undermines Congress's constitutional power over budgetary decisions and violates the law.
The proposed cuts include $567 million for Health and Human Services programs aimed at refugees and asylees, $28 million for HHS research, and reductions to the Department of Education's special programs for immigrant students.
This situation highlights ongoing tensions between the executive branch and Congress regarding fiscal authority and could have significant implications for funding in critical social programs