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Home – Political News – A Rare Budget Move Helped Trump Cancel Half a Billion Dollars Benefiting Immigrants

A Rare Budget Move Helped Trump Cancel Half a Billion Dollars Benefiting Immigrants

Virginia Grace McKinnon

The White House returned over half a billion dollars previously appropriated by Congress for programs serving illegal immigrants. While conservatives praised the return of federal funds, the rare action by President Donald Trump has lawmakers scrambling, with some members calling it an illegal check on Congress’ power of the purse.

On Friday, the White House Office of Management and Budget returned $810 million of taxpayer funds appropriated by Congress that were soon to expire on Sept. 30. The move, known as a pocket rescission, is a rare check on legislative power provided by the Impoundment Control Act.

“[Trump] is continuing his commitment to the American taxpayer by utilizing a pocket rescission for another nearly $1 billion of the most harmful government spending,” the White House said in its announcement.

“These funds previously went to pro-illegal immigration programs and nongovernmental organizations that provided services to refugees, asylees, and other noncitizens and put unaccompanied children in harm’s way,” the White House continued, stating that the funds are no longer needed, “thanks to President Trump’s successful border policies.”

The funds will be considered expired budget authority and will no longer be available for their previously authorized use. Listed programs included open-border NGOs, grants to illegal immigrants for affordable housing, LGBTQ ........

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