Did the Trump administration give Congress a test when sending a package of spending cuts in June? The rescissions package targeted foreign aid programs and public broadcasting. Despite misgivings Congress went along with the request. Does this mean Trump will target other programs identified for elimination by Elon Musk’s DOGE. Watch out!
The Congressional Budget and Impoundment Control Act of 1974 provides a rescission process allows the President to ask Congress to cancel previously approved spending. Congress has only 45 days to act on the request, or else the funds will be released as originally directed.
Generally, the aim is to claw back funds that were approved but remain unobligated. Since January 20, 2025, who do you think has determined which funds (programs) to unobligate? Don’t be surprised if the White House doesn’t consider this a test case with more to come.
The Constitution gives power of the purse to Congress. No wonder some are fighting mad to learn funds they appropriated are cut. It is fear of Donald J. Trump that limits Republicans to override the rescission and Democrats are outnumbered.
The 2026 election is the vehicle to correct this situation. Who knows when the next package of spending cuts will arrive on Capitol Hill? But interested parties cannot wait until a new Congress arrives in 2027. The time is now to strategize and recruit organizations to put pressure on Congress. No doubt there will be more before November 2026.
Sen. Mitch McConnell, R-KY made a valid point when he said “the White House had not provided details about how they will implement the cuts…they would like a blank check. I think they ought to make the case.”
If you thought the “Big Beautiful Bill” was destructive…just wait!