Unconstitutional and blatantly unlawful impoundment of appropriated funds along with unilateral, and therefore unlawful dismantling of executive agencies, has been the name of the game since 47 was sworn in.
Could it be that their "get out of jail free" after-the-fact attempt to "make legal" their illegal actions to date is in far more serious trouble than current reporting indicates?
Here's an AI summary of what's up with that attempt:
President Trump's rescission package, seeking to cut $9.4 billion in federal funding primarily from international aid and public broadcasting programs, faces challenges in the Senate despite passing the House of Representatives.
Key Challenges:
- Senate Opposition: Some Senate Republicans have expressed concerns about cutting funding for programs like PEPFAR (U.S. President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief) and for public broadcasters, creating potential hurdles for the package's passage in the Senate.
- Impoundment Authority: There's ongoing debate regarding the President's authority to unilaterally withhold funds, with the administration claiming such authority while the Government Accountability Office (GAO) maintains the Constitution grants no such unilateral power.
- Political Implications: The rescissions package is viewed as a form of political signaling, with potential consequences for U.S. leadership and strategic interests, particularly regarding international aid and engagement.
- Impact on Programs: Concerns have been raised about the potential negative impacts on various programs, including public media stations, international health initiatives, and peacekeeping efforts, particularly in rural and underserved areas.
- Prioritization of Other Legislation: The Senate's focus on other legislative priorities, such as the
budget bill (pat_k comment: aka MAGA Murder Budget), could delay consideration of the rescissions package.
Background:
- The rescission package aims to permanently cancel previously appropriated funding, with a focus on areas like foreign aid, peacekeeping, refugee assistance, climate projects, and funding for NPR and PBS.
Rescission bills require only a simple majority to pass in both the House and Senate, which can expedite the process.
- The Senate Parliamentarian has advised that action must be completed by July 18, 2025, or the proposed funds will be required to be obligated.
Overall, the rescission package faces significant challenges in the Senate, primarily due to concerns among some Republicans regarding specific program cuts and the broader implications of the rescissions. While the House has approved the measure, its fate in the Senate remains uncertain, with potential delays and the risk of failure if sufficient support is not garnered.
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