Summary
Congress approved a plan allowing the White House to take back $7.9 billion previously set aside for foreign aid, including funds for disease control, disaster relief, and democracy promotion. Details on which programs will be affected are not clear, causing uncertainty among aid groups about the changes this will bring.
Key Facts
- Congress agreed to let the White House take back $7.9 billion meant for foreign aid.
- The approval for this money retraction was given on July 18.
- This funding originally supported efforts like disease and famine control, disaster relief, and democracy promotion.
- Aid groups are unsure how the cuts will be implemented because specific details are lacking.
- The White House claims the cuts will prevent wasting taxpayer money, but no evidence of waste was provided.
- The rescission involves taking significant funds from long-term development assistance programs.
- Around $2.5 billion will be cut from development aid, crucial for reducing poverty and building infrastructure.
- These cuts may affect programs that help build self-reliance in low-income countries.
