President Donald Trump has decided not to spend $4.9 billion in approved foreign aid by utilizing a tactic known as “pocket recission.” This move marks the first time in 50 years that a president has employed this strategy. Essentially, the President has requested Congress not to use the approved funds towards the end of the fiscal year, ensuring that Congress cannot act on the request within the 45-day timeframe, resulting in the unspent funds. The fiscal year concludes at the end of September.
The last instance of a pocket recission was in 1977 under then-President Jimmy Carter. The Trump administration asserts that this approach is legally permissible. However, if this method becomes a standard practice by the White House, it could potentially circumvent Congress on crucial spending decisions and potentially shift some spending control away from the House and the Senate.
