White House Moves to Withdraw Nearly $5 Billion in Foreign Aid
WASHINGTON – The White House budget office announced on Friday plans to withdraw almost $5 billion in foreign aid, even though Congress had previously approved these funds.
This controversial decision, referred to as “pockets” by the Republican chairman of the Congressional Top Watch Dog and the Senate Appropriations Committee, has been labeled illegal, raising questions about how such actions impact already committed international assistance.
The non-partisan Government Accountability Office pointed out that these actions circumvent Congressional authority. Senate Budget Speaker Susan Collins emphasized on Friday that, “Withdrawing funds allocated without Congressional approval is a clear breach of the law.”
Collins critiqued the timing of the withdrawal, noting that funds were sent to Congress right before the fiscal year ended, which seems to aim at evading traditional budget processes.
The administration’s strategy would limit $3.2 billion from the State Department’s development support account. This account finances programs aimed at food security, curbing irregular migration to the U.S., and backing U.S. companies focused on climate initiatives, as outlined by Senate Democrat Patty Murray.
Furthermore, the withdrawal will also cut $913 million intended for U.N. peacekeeping missions and reduce $445 million in security funds from peacekeeping operations, particularly in Africa. Additionally, $322 million from the Democracy Fund will be affected, according to Murray’s office.
The White House Office of Management and Budget did not reply to inquiries regarding this withdrawal.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that President Donald Trump is leveraging his authority under the Water Storage Control Act to carry out this withdrawal, emphasizing that such foreign aid does not align with America’s primary interests.
Congressional Reactions
Typically, when the White House seeks to rescind already approved funds, Congress has 45 days to approve or deny the request. However, with less than 45 days left in the current fiscal year, these funds will essentially be held indefinitely, regardless of Congressional approval.
This move is causing significant discontent among lawmakers, especially with a looming deadline of October 1 to avert government shutdowns.
Murray has condemned the withdrawal, stating, “Trump aims to undermine bipartisan investments in our national security and global influence… It’s unacceptable for him to bypass Congress in this manner.”
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer criticized the Trump administration, asserting that it has backed out of bipartisan agreements.
He expressed concern over the lack of clarity from the Trump administration and Congressional Republicans about how to prevent unnecessary government shutdowns as the funding deadline approaches.
Pennsylvania Democrat Brendan Boyle, prominent on the U.S. House Budget Committee, described the withdrawal as “unsettling” and a clear abuse of authority. He reiterated that the power of spending lies with Congress, as outlined in the Constitution.
This marks the second time the Trump administration has sought rescues involving funds already approved by Congress. Previously, it aimed to reverse $9 billion in approved funding, which included about $1.1 billion for public broadcasting entities over two fiscal years.
