US President Trump reduces billions more from the already-approved foreign aid funds
In a move that has sparked controversy and raised concerns about a potential government shutdown later in the year, US President Donald Trump has cancelled $4.9 billion (€4.2 billion) in foreign aid funding.
The cancellation, announced in a letter to House of Representatives Speaker Mike Johnson, was made using a little-known procedure called a "pocket rescission," a maneuver not used in nearly 50 years. This allows the president to cancel funds near the end of the fiscal year, so they lapse without congressional approval.
A large portion of the funds set aside for peacekeeping missions is now under Trump's order. The cancellation affects 15 international programs, with the majority of the new cuts targeting USAID funding. The cuts also include funding for refugee camps in Kenya, which may have significant impacts on those who rely on this aid.
Senator Chuck Schumer has stated that attempts to reverse funding previously approved by Congress could lead to a shutdown later in the year. Republicans, who control both chambers of Congress, may need Democratic support to pass new spending laws.
Democrats and some moderate Republican politicians oppose Trump's foreign aid cuts. Senator Susan Collins of Maine calls Trump's move illegal. The White House, however, claims Trump has a "solid legal basis" for the maneuver.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio has cut 85% of USAID projects, and the announcement of these cuts has been met with negative reactions from Democrats. United Nations spokesperson Stephane Dujarric stated that these cuts will make the budget situation more challenging.
The fiscal year ends on September 30, and because lawmakers cannot act in a mandated 45-day time frame, the money goes unspent. The decision to bypass Congress is also against the US Constitution, according to Democratic Party lawmakers who argue that it raises the likelihood of a federal shutdown later in the year.
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