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Watchdog says Trump can’t cancel more than $800M in spending approved by Congress
The GAO said the administration must release the money because a pocket rescission cannot override Congress’s spending authority.
- On Tuesday, the Government Accountability Office ruled that President Donald Trump cannot withhold more than $800 million in congressionally approved spending, declaring the maneuver an illegal 'pocket rescission.'
- Trump announced his intention Friday to impound funds from 11 appropriations accounts, targeting immigrant services and diversity initiatives after claiming the spending was no longer necessary.
- Under the Impoundment Control Act, the administration may withhold funds for 45 days while Congress considers the request; withholding beyond expiration violates the constitutional process for enacting federal law.
- Senate Majority Leader John Thune expects courts to decide the issue, while Rep. Brendan Boyle introduced legislation requiring the White House Office of Management and Budget to release funds at least 90 days before expiration.
- This 'pocket rescission' reflects a broader pattern of the administration exerting greater control over the government; last year, the White House blocked $4.9 billion in foreign aid, the first such maneuver in nearly 50 years.
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Congressional watchdog says Trump administration can’t defy lawmakers to revoke $810M • Oklahoma Voice
WASHINGTON — The Trump administration must spend the $810 million that it said last week it planned to cancel, according to a report released Tuesday by the nonpartisan Government Accountability Office. The congressional watchdog’s decision contends the White House budget office doesn’t hold the ability to claw back that funding without approval from Congress. “Any […]
GAO: Trump’s funding cancellation violates budget law
WASHINGTON — The Government Accountability Office reaffirmed its opinion Tuesday that “pocket rescissions” are illegal, dealing a modest blow to President Donald Trump’s announcement last week of plans to cancel $810 million in spending without the approval of Congress.
·Vancouver, United States
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Coverage Details
Total News Sources54
Leaning Left31Leaning Right2Center19Last UpdatedBias Distribution60% Left
Bias Distribution
- 60% of the sources lean Left
60% Left
L 60%
C 36%
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