Title: The White House’s Pocket Rescissions: A Dangerous Precedent in Foreign Aid Cuts? The recent announcement by the White House that it plans to cut $4.9 billion in foreign aid funding through a seldom-used budgetary tactic known as “pocket rescissions” has raised concerns among lawmakers and experts alike. This little-known maneuver allows the executive branch to cancel previously approved Congressional funding without their consent, typically requiring them to reauthorize the changes within 45 days. However, with less than a month left in the fiscal year (which ends on September 30th), there may not be enough time for Congress to intervene and block these cuts. The use of “pocket rescissions” has been largely dormant since its last attempted implementation nearly five decades ago. Its legality is questionable at best, with some legal experts arguing that it infringes upon the constitutional power of Congress over budgetary matters. In fact, lawyers from the nonpartisan Government Accountability Office (GAO) have recently published a post on their “WatchBlog” stating that pocket rescissions are illegal under current law. They argue that this tactic would effectively allow presidents to change existing laws by shortening the period of availability for fixed-period funds, thereby undermining Congress’s authority over budgetary matters. The potential implications of these cuts could be far-reaching and have significant consequences on international relations. Foreign aid is often used as a tool to promote stability, humanitarian efforts, and economic development in countries around the world. By slashing funding through this controversial method, the White House may not only harm ongoing projects but also damage longstanding relationships with key allies who rely heavily on American support. From my perspective, while it’s essential for governments to carefully manage their budgets, undermining Congress’s constitutional authority is a dangerous precedent that could lead to further erosion of democratic principles and checks & balances within our political system. It’s crucial that lawmakers from both parties come together to address this issue head-on before it becomes an accepted practice in future administrations. In conclusion, the White House’s plan to use “pocket rescissions” as a means of cutting foreign aid funding raises serious concerns about its legality and potential impact on international relations. As citizens, we must remain vigilant and demand transparency from our elected officials when it comes to decisions that affect not only our nation but also the world at large.
Source: [Original Article](https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/white-house/trump-pocket-rescissions-slash-foreign-aid-congress-rcna227973)
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