Rescissions Act of 2025
Summary
The Rescissions Act of 2025 rescinds specific budget authority previously allocated in the Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2024, and the Full-Year Continuing Appropriations Act, 2025. These rescissions target unobligated balances across various international programs and bilateral economic assistance initiatives. The Act aims to immediately reduce spending in these areas upon enactment.
Expected Effects
The Act will reduce funding for international organizations, peacekeeping activities, global health programs (with exceptions), migration and refugee assistance, and other bilateral economic assistance programs. This will likely lead to a decrease in the scope and scale of these programs, potentially affecting international relations and humanitarian efforts. The rescissions impact various sectors, including global health, economic support, and development assistance.
Potential Benefits
- Could lead to reduced government spending and potentially lower the national debt.
- May free up funds for other domestic priorities.
- Could incentivize more efficient use of existing resources within the affected programs.
- May align spending more closely with current administration priorities.
- Could reduce reliance on foreign aid, promoting self-sufficiency in recipient countries.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- May negatively impact international organizations and their ability to address global challenges.
- Could reduce support for critical global health programs, potentially leading to increased disease and mortality in affected regions.
- May strain relationships with countries receiving bilateral economic assistance.
- Could undermine efforts to promote democracy and economic stability in developing nations.
- Could negatively affect the United States' standing and influence in the international community.
Constitutional Alignment
The Rescissions Act of 2025 appears to align with the constitutional powers of Congress related to appropriations and budget control, 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 process defined 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 Constitution grants Congress the power to appropriate funds, and by extension, to rescind previously appropriated funds.
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).