Rescissions Act of 2025
Summary
The Rescissions Act of 2025 (H.R. 4) aims to rescind specific budget authority previously allocated in appropriations acts. These rescissions target unobligated balances across various international programs and some domestic initiatives. The Act directly implements the President's proposal to Congress on June 3, 2025, under the Congressional Budget and Impoundment Control Act of 1974.
Expected Effects
The Act will reduce funding for international organizations, global health programs, migration and refugee assistance, and other bilateral economic assistance programs. Some rescissions include provisos protecting specific programs like HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, Malaria, Nutrition, Maternal and Child Health, assistance to Jordan and Egypt, Feed the Future Innovation Labs, and US commodity-based food aid. The Corporation for Public Broadcasting will also see rescissions in its funding for fiscal years 2026 and 2027.
Potential Benefits
- Potentially reduces the national debt and deficit.
- May free up funds for other domestic priorities.
- Could lead to greater fiscal discipline and efficiency in government spending.
- Aligns spending with current administration priorities.
- May reduce reliance on foreign aid, promoting self-reliance in recipient countries.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Reduces funding for critical international programs, potentially impacting global health, humanitarian aid, and development efforts.
- Could weaken international cooperation and U.S. influence abroad.
- May negatively affect vulnerable populations dependent on U.S. assistance.
- Potential disruption to ongoing projects and initiatives.
- Reduces funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, potentially impacting access to educational and cultural programming.
Constitutional Alignment
The Rescissions Act of 2025 aligns with the constitutional power of Congress to control federal spending, as outlined in Article I, Section 9, Clause 7, which states that "No Money shall be drawn from the Treasury, but in Consequence of Appropriations made by Law." The Act follows the procedures established in the Congressional Budget and Impoundment Control Act of 1974, which provides a mechanism for the President to propose rescissions, subject to Congressional approval. The act does not appear to infringe upon any specific constitutional rights or protections.
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).