Trump rescissions strategy tests Congress's power of the purse
A reported rescissions request could let roughly $810 million in approved funds, largely for refugee services, expire through a disputed pocket-rescission theory. A federal judge's rejection of FEMA's attempt to condition counterterrorism grants on election changes offers a separate limit on executive control of appropriated funds, while litigation over a planned 50% FEMA workforce reduction underscores broader institutional resistance.
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Updated Sep 29, 2026