Republicans Seek to Block Trump's 45-Day Funding Rescissions Before Sept. 30
Updated
Updated · POLITICO · Sep 28
Republicans Seek to Block Trump's 45-Day Funding Rescissions Before Sept. 30
3 articles · Updated · POLITICO · Sep 28
Summary
GOP lawmakers are weighing a bar on late-year rescission packages, aiming to stop Trump from freezing congressionally approved money long enough for the fiscal year to expire on Sept. 30.
Under the 1970s Impoundment Control Act, a president can withhold funds for 45 days after asking Congress to rescind them; Trump officials argue a request sent less than 45 days before year-end lets the money lapse.
Lisa Murkowski called that approach a “sneaky” effort to run out the clock and said Congress should defend its own spending authority rather than rely on courts.
Other Republicans, including Appropriations member John Hoeven, say a new law may simply restate existing limits, leaving the dispute over Congress's power of the purse likely headed for judicial resolution.