Health policy
White House seeks to cancel $810 million in congressionally approved funds
The proposed cuts include $567 million for HHS services for refugees and unaccompanied minors, and the GAO says the maneuver is unlawful.
The White House announced plans Friday to block $810 million in funding approved by Congress, using a contested “pocket rescission.” The administration says the Impoundment Control Act allows it to withhold the funds.
The request came five days before the Sept. 30 end of the fiscal year, leaving Congress little time to review it. Federal law provides Congress 45 days to consider proposed spending cuts. The Government Accountability Office says the maneuver is unlawful.
The largest proposed cut is $567 million for HHS services for refugees and unaccompanied minors, according to TIME. CNBC reported $28 million in cuts to HHS research. The proposals also target programs for migrant students and minority entrepreneurs. Republican Sen. Susan Collins and Democratic Sen. Patty Murray criticized the move. STAT reported that similar lawsuits may follow.
Reporting on this story
- Time What Is a ‘Pocket Rescission’? Inside Trump’s Move to Cancel $810 Million in Federal Funding (opens in a new tab)
- CNBC White House moves to block $810 million in funding through pocket rescission (opens in a new tab)
- STAT Trump administration uses rare authority to claw back nearly $1B in spending approved by Congress (opens in a new tab)
