Key facts
- President Trump ordered the cancellation of $810 million in congressionally appropriated funding on Friday.
- This action is the second "pocket" rescission in 49 years.
- The rescissions eliminate 11 pools of unspent money across seven federal departments and agencies.
- The largest rescinded amount, $567 million, was for HHS social services to illegal immigrants.
- Other rescinded funds include $70 million for fellowships and grants for foreign academics and students, and $56 million for housing counseling organizations.
President Trump on Friday ordered the cancellation of $810 million in congressionally appropriated funding, using a rare and contested power known as a "pocket rescission." This action eliminates 11 pools of unspent money across seven federal departments and agencies, with the White House Office of Management and Budget identifying funds deemed no longer necessary or contrary to the administration's policies.
The largest portion, $567 million from HHS, was intended for social services for illegal immigrants and was rescinded due to a claimed near-elimination of illegal border crossings. Other significant rescinded amounts include $70 million for fellowships and grants for foreign academics and students, and $56 million from a HUD program for housing counseling organizations that allegedly promoted "DEI-centric" agendas.
Senator Susan Collins, chair of the Senate appropriations committee, condemned the action, stating it came without warning or consultation and constituted a "usurpation of Congress's appropriations powers." Senator Patty Murray called the move "theft from the American people." The government accountability office has called the maneuver illegal, as Congress typically has 45 days to review such proposed cuts, but the late timing of this rescission makes that review largely moot.