Trump moves to cancel nearly $1 billion via pocket rescission

The White House announced late Friday a pocket rescission canceling $810 million in congressionally approved funds; some outlets say nearly $1 billion. Cuts include $567 million from HHS programs for refugees, asylees and migrants, $70 million in academic fellowships, and $56 million in HUD. The announcement left five days before the fiscal year ends Sept. 30, 2026. It is the second pocket rescission in about 50 years, both under Trump. The administration called the spending wasteful and cited lower border crossings. The Impoundment Control Act gives Congress 45 days to review rescissions. Susan Collins said OMB intentionally withheld the funds to execute an unlawful cancellation. "I will work with my colleagues to address these illegal actions," she said. She said the executive branch "does not get to decide which programs are worth funding." Patty Murray called it "theft from the American people" and said "Russ Vought's message to Congress is that your votes don't count, and your laws are optional." Chuck Schumer said the package is "illegally stripping nearly $1 billion in critical funding that supports kids, K-12 students, small businesses, and health and clean air research." Rosa DeLauro condemned the move. The GAO has called pocket rescissions illegal. The Supreme Court did not block a prior Trump pocket rescission. Congressional and court next steps remain open.