Rescissions Act of 2025
Summary
The Rescissions Act of 2025 (H.R. 4) aims to rescind specific budget authority that the President proposed in a special message to Congress on June 3, 2025. The act targets unobligated balances from various appropriations acts, primarily focusing on international organizations, global health programs, migration and refugee assistance, and other bilateral economic assistance programs. These rescissions are proposed under section 1012(a) of the Congressional Budget and Impoundment Control Act of 1974.
Expected Effects
If enacted, the Rescissions Act of 2025 would immediately reduce the funding available for the specified programs. This would lead to decreased financial support for international organizations, global health initiatives, and various economic assistance efforts. The Act would permanently rescind the specified amounts, preventing their use for the originally intended purposes.
Potential Benefits
- Reduced government spending and potential deficit reduction.
- Reallocation of funds to other domestic priorities (though not specified in this bill).
- Increased fiscal discipline and accountability.
- Potential for lower taxes in the future due to reduced spending.
- Could incentivize more efficient use of existing funds by government agencies.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Reduced funding for international organizations could weaken global cooperation on critical issues.
- Cuts to global health programs could negatively impact disease prevention and healthcare access in developing countries.
- Decreased support for migration and refugee assistance could exacerbate humanitarian crises.
- Reduced economic assistance may hinder development efforts in recipient countries.
- Potential damage to international relations and U.S. standing in the world.
Constitutional Alignment
The Rescissions Act of 2025 appears to align with the constitutional principles regarding the power of the purse vested in Congress (Article I, Section 9, Clause 7). Congress has the authority to appropriate funds, and by extension, to rescind previously appropriated funds. The Act follows the procedures outlined in the Congressional Budget and Impoundment Control Act of 1974, which was designed to provide a framework for presidential requests to rescind funds and congressional action on those requests.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).