Chicago Friday, August 15th, 2025
The Trump administration is gearing up for a major showdown with Congress over federal funding. The White House is considering a rare tactic called a “pocket rescission” that would allow them to permanently withhold funding that’s already been approved by Congress. This move has been criticized by some Republican senators, who argue that it would essentially cancel funding without giving lawmakers a say.
The funding in question is set to expire on September 30, and the Trump administration’s move could intensify the tug-of-war with Congress over spending delays. This tactic has been used before, but it’s still a relatively rare move that’s sparked controversy. Some lawmakers are concerned that it would give the president too much power to unilaterally decide how federal funds are spent.
The Trump administration’s efforts to withhold funding have already been met with resistance from Congress and the courts. In February, a judge blocked the administration’s attempt to freeze funding for various programs, ruling that it would “potentially run roughshod over a ‘bulwark of the Constitution'”. As the September 30 deadline looms, it’s clear that this battle is far from over.
