Trump pocket rescission move helps eliminate needless spending

The White House announced today that President Trump has moved to rescind $4.9 billion in foreign aid funding. The President is using what’s known as a “pocket rescission,” a tool under the Impoundment Control Act that allows the president to hold appropriated money while requesting that Congress reconsider whether it is wasteful or outdated near the end of a fiscal year. Because the rescission request occurs so late in the fiscal year, if Congress chooses to spend the money, it would likely have to be obligated in the next fiscal year. This situation gives lawmakers a chance to reassess its necessity. CEI Attorney Devin Watkins deems this a useful step toward restoring fiscal discipline and curbing unnecessary spending:

“For too long, Washington has treated appropriations as requiring every dime to be spent, fueling runaway spending. But Congress, through the Impoundment Control Act, allowed presidents to halt unnecessary appropriations and return that decision to lawmakers. Using this authority to stop wasteful and outdated expenditures anytime it is needed is exactly the kind of fiscal discipline taxpayers deserve, and hopefully there are many similar rescissions in the future.”