Trump seeks to withhold US$800mil in Congress-approved funds
The White House says the US president is committed to cutting 'wasteful and harmful' spending by withholding funds for immigration, race and education.
President Donald Trump attempted on Friday to unilaterally withhold over US$800 million in funding for immigration, racial and educational initiatives that Congress had previously approved, according to the White House. This move, known as a pocket rescission, is a rare tactic that bypasses Congress' authority over the nation's spending. The White House cited concerns that these programs promote illegal immigration, exacerbate racial tensions and advocate alarmist environmental policies.
Senator Susan Collins, who chairs the Senate appropriations committee, denounced the decision as "illegal." She emphasized that this is the latest instance of the Office of Management and Budget attempting to undermine Congress' constitutional power to control the purse strings. The White House stated that these funds would be used to bolster programs supporting refugee aid, minority business development and overseas conservation efforts.
The Supreme Court recently ruled against blocking Trump from withholding $4.9 billion in foreign aid that Congress had also approved, while legal challenges continue.
Written by urgent.news from Free Malaysia Today's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
Also reported by 2 other outlets
- Trump seeks to withhold US$800mil in Congress-approved funds freemalaysiatoday.com
- Trump seeks to withhold $800 million in Congress-approved funds investing.com
