On Friday, White House officials indicated that the approximately $5 billion in foreign aid being withdrawn does not need Congressional approval, although they believe there is a strong legal foundation for it.
Officials spoke to reporters following Trump’s signing of a pocket rescue package through the Water Storage Control Act on Thursday evening.
“To give you an overview of where some of that funding will go: $3.2 billion is allocated for USAID development support, including $400 million specifically towards global climate projects. This also includes support for vegan food programs in Zambia, electric bus initiatives in Rwanda, and assistance for mud gas suppliers,” they explained.
“The laws enforced by Congress limit our spending options during this fiscal period,” they added. “Currently, we can’t allocate funds beyond what is set by these rules. For instance, there’s $340 million for global climate adaptation, clean energy initiatives, and sustainable landscapes, plus $40 million directed towards foreign biodiversity programs.”
Due to restrictions on fund reuse, Secretary of State Marco Rubio had suggested sending some funds to Congress as part of the rescue initiative. Earlier this year, the Trump administration put a rescue package before Congress, which lawmakers approved. However, since this is a pocket withdrawal package, it bypasses the need for Congressional approval. Officials noted that the allocated funds must be utilized by the end of the year.
“What differentiates this from prior packages is that it’s a pocket withdrawal. This isn’t something we plan to take to Congress for a vote,” an official shared with reporters. “This is a unique feature of the exit control law, resembling the withdrawal package, but since it’s at the fiscal year’s end, it will sunset automatically unless acted upon within 45 days.”
“We’ve initiated discussions with lawmakers, but this doesn’t necessitate a vote. The savings will automatically benefit taxpayers by year’s end,” the official added.
They emphasized that the administration is operating on a “solid legal foundation,” noting that the General Accounting Office (GAO), although not a preferred ally, has previously acknowledged pocket rescues as a legitimate avenue.
“While we’re not particularly fond of general accounting offices, they were the first to recognize the validity of this approach since the water storage management law was enacted. They have suggested Congress keep this option available for future presidents’ use,” they noted. “Although they weren’t keen on it before, GAO has since modified its position. Expecting inconsistency is part of the game; they tend to shift viewpoints depending on which party is in power.”
Officials also dismissed claims from Democrats suggesting that the administration is seeking to shut down government operations.
“Some have suggested that we actually want a shutdown. That’s simply not accurate. We generally strive to support members who prefer continuing resolutions that keep the government running,” an official told reporters. “So, I believe this won’t fuel the Democrats’ narrative that our actions could lead to a government shutdown.”
