Collins Critiques Trump’s Funding Withdrawal Proposal
Senate Budget Committee Chairman Susan Collins, a Republican from Maine, recently expressed her concerns regarding President Trump’s latest request to retract funds confirmed by Congress. She characterized this move as an “attempt to undermine the law.”
On Thursday, Collins pointed out, a request was sent to Speaker Mike Johnson, proposing to pull back $4.9 billion from a substantial foreign aid program.
In her statement on Friday, Collins stated, “This package signals a clear effort to withdraw funds that were allocated without Congressional consent, especially since these funds were distributed close to the end of the fiscal year when they are set to lapse.”
She referenced findings from the Accountability Bureau, emphasizing that such actions are deemed “illegal” under the Water Storage Control Act.
“The Constitution’s Article 1 clearly delineates that Congress holds responsibility for financial decisions. Any efforts to rescind funds allocated without Congressional approval violate the law,” she added.
Collins advocated for a more lawful route, suggesting that identifying ways to trim unnecessary spending should be pursued through a bipartisan annual spending process. Congress, she noted, will routinely approve revisions as part of this process.
The proposal aims to affect funding that was previously designated for the State Department and the U.S. Agency for International Development, both of which had seen reductions earlier this year.
The Water Storage Management Act outlines the processes for retracting funds, allowing the administration to temporarily hold funds for up to 45 days while Congress considers the actions. If Congress doesn’t approve within that timeframe, the funds must be released.
This year, Trump became the first president in many years to effectively cut funds using the established protocol, with a GOP-led Congress agreeing to withdraw about $9 billion in previously allocated foreign aid and public broadcasting funds in July.
The latest request, described as a “pocket withdrawal,” involves submitting the same type of request to Congress. By doing so within 45 days before the end of the fiscal year on September 30, it essentially allows for the targeted funds to become void.
Collins remarked that the State Department’s annual funding bill would be “the most fitting way to ensure rescissions reflect Congress’ views.” A proposal from the Congressional Committee is anticipated to be launched in September.
The White House has been contacted for further comments.
This move by the Trump administration highlights ongoing tensions, as Trump has called for pushbacks from both political parties regarding the cancellation or blocking of funds previously sanctioned by Congress without legislative approval.
Conversely, Trump’s officials maintain that pocket relief procedures are legal. Management and Budget Director Russell Vought described this operation as “one of the executive tools” available, earlier this summer, stating, “The president was elected to manage our financial circumstances, and we will utilize all options as necessary throughout the year.”
