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.
38 Articles
38 Articles
Congressional watchdog says Trump administration can’t defy lawmakers to revoke $810M • West Virginia Watch
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 […]
Congressional watchdog says Trump administration can’t defy lawmakers to revoke $810M • Washington State Standard
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 […]
Trump’s funding cancellation violates budget law, GAO says
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. In a letter to congressional leaders, the GAO —the investigative arm of Congress — doubled down on its position that […]
Alaska Beacon
Congressional watchdog says Trump administration can’t defy lawmakers to revoke $810M
The U.S. Capitol building in Washington, D.C., on June 29, 2025. (Photo by Jennifer Shutt/States Newsroom)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 app…
Congressional watchdog says Trump administration can’t defy lawmakers to revoke $810M • Rhode Island Current
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 […]
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