Trump Administration Cancels $810 Million in Federal Funding
The Trump administration is canceling $810 million in congressionally appropriated funding for refugees, immigrants, and other federal programs through a "pocket rescission." Lawmakers argue this action is an illegal bypass of Congressional authority.
El Paso, TX, September 26, 2026 —
The Trump administration has announced the cancellation of $810 million in funding previously appropriated by Congress for programs supporting refugees, immigrants, and other federal initiatives. This action is being carried out through a mechanism known as a “pocket rescission.”
A pocket rescission, in this context, refers to the executive branch withholding or impounding funds that have already been allocated by the legislative branch. This method allows the administration to effectively prevent congressionally approved money from being spent.
The specific federal programs affected by this funding cancellation have not been detailed beyond the categories of refugees, immigrants, and other general federal programs. The total amount being rescinded is $810 million.
The move has drawn significant criticism from lawmakers who contend that the administration’s action constitutes an unauthorized and potentially illegal circumvention of Congress’s constitutional power over the nation’s purse strings. Critics argue that such unilateral rescissions by the executive branch undermine the balance of power between the legislative and executive branches of the U.S. government.
The precise legal grounds for the lawmakers’ argument and the administration’s authority to implement such a rescission are central to the ongoing debate. Details regarding the timeline for the cancellation or any specific legislative responses from lawmakers were not immediately available.
Story summarized from the original created by CNN Newsource on kvia.com, see more information here.
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