Trump administration rescinds $810 million in approved congressional spending

The Trump administration has utilized a budgetary tool known as a “pocket rescission” to cancel approximately $810 million in previously approved congressional spending. The administration stated that the funds, which were intended for refugee aid, migrant education, and diversity programs, are no longer necessary due to a sharp decrease in illegal border crossings.

The rescissions include $567 million from Health and Human Services accounts used by nonprofits serving refugees and asylees. Other cuts target $70 million for programs labeled “Woke International Education,” $56 million in Housing and Urban Development counseling grants, and $25 million for migrant student education. The administration also noted that funds previously directed to Southwest Key Programs were targeted following a Justice Department suit regarding the treatment of unaccompanied minors.

The move has drawn criticism from Republican Senator Susan Collins, chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, who characterized the action as an attempt to “undermine Congress’s Constitutional power of the purse.” Critics argue the administration acted without prior consultation and may have violated established time limits for such procedures.