Summary
President Donald Trump decided not to spend $4.9 billion in foreign aid previously approved by Congress. He used a method called a "pocket rescission" to avoid spending the funds, which hasn't been used by a president in nearly 50 years. This approach bypasses Congress by timing the request so that the money lapses unspent.
Key Facts
- Trump informed House Speaker Mike Johnson about his decision not to spend $4.9 billion in foreign aid.
- A pocket rescission is when the president asks Congress to not spend funds, with the request timed so Congress cannot act within 45 days.
- This is the first time since 1977 that a president used a pocket rescission.
- The unspent money would have come from the State Department and USAID.
- The Impoundment Control Act of 1974 allows the president to propose canceling funds approved by Congress.
- The Trump administration argues this is a legal budgetary tool.
- The administration previously achieved $9 billion in spending cuts with Congressional support earlier this year.
- USAID's role has been significantly reduced and is now under the State Department.
