Trump uses contested power to cut nearly $1B US in Congress-approved spending | CBC News

U.S. president's 'pocket rescission' move slammed as illegal; most cuts focused on services for immigrants

U.S. President Donald Trump is cancelling nearly $1 billion US in spending approved by Congress, the White House announced on Friday, using a rare and contested power to axe funding for immigrant services and diversity-focused initiatives.

Most of the cuts are focused on services for immigrants, including non-profits that serve refugees and unaccompanied minors accused of being in the country illegally. The administration says the funds are no longer necessary because illegal border crossings have diminished considerably.

A White House news release announcing the funding cuts notes some of the organizations are led by people who worked in the administration of former president Barack Obama, a Democrat.

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Collins said in a statement that the action came without warning or consultation. She also said she would work to address with colleagues "these illegal actions."

The Government Accountability Office — the independent, non-partisan watchdog agency that works for Congress — says the manoeuvre, known as a "pocket rescission," is illegal.

Collins called it the latest attempt by OMB to "undermine Congress's constitutional power of the purse."

The use of a pocket rescission fits a broader pattern by the Trump administration to exact greater control over the U.S. government, eroding the power of Congress.

The administration has also fired federal workers, imposed a historic increase in tariffs, and started the war in Iran without going through Congress, putting the burden on the judicial branch to determine the limits of presidential power.

Sen. Patty Murray of Washington, the lead Democrat on the Senate Appropriations Committee, described the White House action as "theft from the American people, plain and simple."