Trump seeks to withhold US$800mil in Congress-approved funds

Washington: US President Donald Trump sought to unilaterally withhold more than $800 million in spending on immigration, racial and educational programs that Congress has approved, according to a statement issued by the White House. This move, described as a "rarely used technique known as a pocket rescission," bypasses Congress and is the latest in a series of conflicts between the administration and the legislative body over control of federal spending.

The White House asserted that the funds would be directed towards programs focused on refugee assistance, racial-minority business development, and overseas conservation. However, the administration contended that these programs support illegal immigration, exacerbate racial tensions, and promote alarmist environmental policies. President Trump emphasized his commitment to using all possible means to eliminate wasteful and harmful government spending that does not benefit American citizens.

Sen. Susan Collins, the chair of the chamber's appropriations committee, vehemently opposed the White House's action, labeling it as "illegal." Collins, a member of Trump's Republican Party, highlighted that this move undermines Congress's Constitutional power of the purse. The Supreme Court recently declined to prevent Trump from employing the same tactic to withhold $4.9 billion in foreign aid approved by Congress, despite ongoing litigation.