The Trump administration announced a significant budget cut, totaling nearly $1 billion, through a mechanism known as a “pocket rescission.” This decision has stirred controversy due to its focus on what the administration describes as “the most harmful government spending.” The cuts include $567 million from Health and Human Services (HHS) for noncitizens, $15 million from Department of Homeland Security programs that offered welfare to undocumented immigrants, and $25 million from educational programs for noncitizens, among other rescissions.

Republican Senator Susan Collins expressed her disapproval of the move, criticizing the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). Collins stated, “Without warning or consultation, Congress just received an $810 million package of pocket rescissions. This most recent attempt by the OMB undermines Congress’s constitutional power of the purse.” Collins further argued that the OMB had unlawfully withheld the funds and stated, “The independent Government Accountability Office concluded that pocket rescissions are unlawful and not permitted by the Impoundment Control Act.” She emphasized that rescinding funds without Congress’s approval violates the law.

The U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) defines a pocket rescission as a request by the president to cancel funding near the fiscal year’s end. This tactic prevents Congress from responding within the allotted 45 days, challenging their power to approve a budget and appropriate funds.

Senator Patty Murray, a Democrat from Washington, criticized the rescission, referring to it as “theft from the American people.” She emphasized that bipartisan funds intended to aid families should not be sacrificed for individual interests. Senator Jeff Merkley of Oregon echoed this sentiment, asserting that the move breaches the constitutional separation of powers.

Connecticut Senator Chris Murphy expressed concern over the lack of Senate opposition to Trump’s actions. He suggested that Senate Republicans prioritized loyalty to Trump over citizens’ interests. The OMB countered these criticisms, stating on social media, “Wasteful funding? Rescinded. We will use every fiscal tool to deliver savings for the American people.”

The administration plans additional cuts, including $15 million from the Department of Justice’s Community Relations Service, $9 million from debt relief to countries funding climate policies, and $28 million from HHS research programs. Further reductions include $5 million from the HHS Office of Minority Health, $56 million from counseling support within Housing and Urban Development, and $10 million from the Minority Business Development Agency. Additionally, cuts target international education funds and programs alleged to aid undocumented immigrants.