President Donald Trump has opted not to spend $4.9 billion from the approved foreign aid budget. This move marks the first use of a tactic known as “pocket recission” in 50 years. The tactic involves the President submitting a request to Congress at the end of the fiscal year to not spend already approved funds. By doing so towards the end of the fiscal year, Congress cannot respond within the 45-day timeframe, resulting in the funds going unspent. The fiscal year concludes at the end of September.
The Trump administration defends this action as a legally acceptable maneuver. If this practice becomes standard, it could potentially circumvent Congress on critical spending decisions, potentially shifting some control over spending from the legislative branch to the White House.