Trump wants to cancel $810M Congress approved. Is it legal?

The White House announced a move on September 25 to cancel nearly $1 billion Congress approved. It would use a disputed “pocket rescission” days before the fiscal year ends.

Senate Appropriations chair Susan Collins said Congress was notified of $810 million in pocket rescissions. The targets include refugee and migrant programs, education, housing, business grants and research.

The administration called the spending wasteful and harmful. Collins, a Republican, said the move came without consultation and argued that Congress controls appropriations.

The Impoundment Control Act gives Congress 45 days to consider a rescission request. When one arrives just before the fiscal-year deadline, Congress may have no time to act before funds expire. GAO says the law does not allow that maneuver; the White House says it is exercising presidential authority.

As of September 26, no court had issued a final ruling on this move.

Sources: White House · GAO · CBS News · Associated Press