Block Trump’s Illegal “Pocket Rescission” Budget Cut

On August 29th, the Trump administration moved to unilaterally cancel $4.9 billion in foreign aid funding through a so-called “pocket rescission.” A typical budget rescission - like the one approved in July to claw back funding for NPR and PBS - is a request made by the White House’s Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to cancel previously approved funds; Congress then has 45 days to approve or deny the request. A pocket rescission, however, is requested within 45 days of the end of the fiscal year to intentionally run out the clock on Congress’ approval window and effectively cancel the funds without the required legislative approval.

The Government Accountability Office (GAO) has reiterated that pocket rescissions are illegal. They violate the Impoundment Control Act and undermine Congress’ constitutional power over the federal budget. The Trump administration, led by OMB Director Russell Vought, has been repeatedly cited by the GAO for illegally freezing or canceling funds for government programs. Both Democrats and Republicans have expressed concern about the White House’s ongoing intrusion into the congressional appropriations process.

Congress must pass a federal spending bill for FY 2026, on a bipartisan basis, by September 30th to avoid a government shutdown. Because of Trump and Vought’s continuous abuse of power, Congress should not only reject this illegal pocket rescission request, but also refuse to pass a 2026 budget without sufficient guarantees the White House will not override their work with more illegal impoundment and rescissions.