Trump cancels nearly $1 billion in spending approved by Congress, a move some lawmakers called illegal, tell me about this news in (https://www.cbsnews.com/news/trump-cancels-billion-spending-pocket-rescission/)
26-09-2026
Based on the report from CBS News, here are the key details of the story:
The Announcement President Trump moved to cancel nearly $1 billion in congressionally approved spending, using a rarely utilized budgetary tactic known as a “pocket rescission.” The White House framed the decision as part of an effort to eliminate “wasteful and harmful government spending that does not benefit American citizens.”
Programs Targeted for Cuts The administration specified several areas where funding is being withheld, including:
$567 million in Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) services for refugees, asylees, and migrants.
$50 million for various other aid programs assisting immigrants and noncitizens.
$70 million designated for international education grants and fellowships (labeled by the White House as “Woke International Education”).
$56 million in Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) programs.
How a “Pocket Rescission” Works Under the Impoundment Control Act of 1974, a president can propose rescissions of budget authority, which Congress then has 45 legislative days to approve. However, by submitting the notification just days before the end of the fiscal year (which ends on September 30), the administration can withhold the funds until they officially expire, bypassing a congressional vote.
Bipartisan Pushback and Legal Debate The move immediately sparked strong criticism from lawmakers across both parties:
Senator Susan Collins (R-Maine), chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, condemned the action, stating the White House “intentionally withheld these funds for months to execute this unlawful cancellation.” She highlighted that the Government Accountability Office (GAO) considers pocket rescissions illegal without congressional approval.
Representative Rosa DeLauro (D-Conn.), the top Democrat on the House Appropriations Committee, accused the administration of attempting to “steal more money promised to communities across the country.”
This marks the second time the Trump administration has deployed this tactic; a similar maneuver was used the prior year to withhold $4.9 billion in foreign aid, which was the first use of a pocket rescission since the Carter administration in 1977.