White House Considers ‘Pocket Rescissions’ to Sidestep Congress: What to Know

Using a pocket rescission could allow Trump to halt congressionally appropriated spending with no input from Congress.
White House Considers ‘Pocket Rescissions’ to Sidestep Congress: What to Know
Office of Management and Budget Director Russ Vought testifies in Washington on June 25, 2025. Madalina Kilroy/The Epoch Times
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President Donald Trump’s administration is considering a move, called a “pocket rescission,” that would effectively rescind federal funding and potentially bypass congressional approval, Office of Management and Budget Director Russ Vought said on July 27.

The strategy occurs when a president submits a rescission proposal under the Impoundment Control Act—requesting Congress to cancel previously appropriated funds—within 45 days of the end of the fiscal year, Sept. 30. The funds are withheld during the 45-day congressional review period, and if Congress doesn’t act before the fiscal year ends, the funds expire.

Jackson Richman is a Washington correspondent for The Epoch Times. In addition to Washington politics, he covers the intersection of politics and sports/sports and culture. He previously was a writer at Mediaite and Washington correspondent at Jewish News Syndicate. His writing has also appeared in The Washington Examiner. He is an alum of George Washington University.
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