White House moves to block $810 million in funding through pocket rescission
The White House is moving to block $810 million in appropriated funds days before the fiscal year ends, drawing objections over the maneuver.
TL;DR
- The White House plans to withhold $810 million in congressionally appropriated funding.
- This action is described as a 'pocket rescission,' a controversial budget maneuver.
- Sen. Susan Collins argues this maneuver is unlawful and undermines Congress's power of the purse.
- The Government Accountability Office (GAO) has stated the Impoundment Control Act does not permit withholding funds through expiration without congressional approval.
- The blocked funds include $567 million for Health and Human Services programs for non-citizens and $28 million for HHS research, as well as cuts to the Department of Education's programs for immigrant students.