White House to Congress "Gimme Back My Money!"

Article Heading: White House to Ask Congress to Codify DOGE Cuts to USAID and Public Broadcasting

The White House is poised to ignite a new fiscal battle in Congress, with plans to submit a rescissions package aimed at clawing back a significant portion of previously approved spending. As early as Tuesday, congressional leaders are expected to receive a proposal seeking to cut back $9.4 billion, primarily targeting foreign aid programs.

This isn't just about trimming the fat; the proposed cuts reflect a strategic shift in budgetary priorities. According to talking points obtained by NBC News, the rescissions package will specifically target:

• U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID)
• National Public Radio (NPR)
• Public Broadcasting Service (PBS)

Furthermore, the package aims to codify cuts initially proposed by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), the advisory entity previously led by Elon Musk. Musk's departure last week hasn't deterred the administration from pursuing these efficiency measures.

Navigating the Congressional Maze

The rescissions package is designed to require a simple majority vote in both the House and the Senate, potentially allowing Republicans to bypass Democratic opposition. The stakes are high, and the contents of the package are far-reaching:

• $8.3 billion in cuts to foreign aid, impacting programs supporting LGBTQ communities.
• Reductions in education and transportation programs.
• Cuts to reproductive health initiatives.
• Decreased funding for the World Health Organization (WHO).
• Approximately $142 million in cuts for the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).
• Nearly $9 million in cuts to the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR).
• $1.1 billion in cuts to funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.

While $9.4 billion may seem like a small fraction of the U.S. government's annual $6.8 trillion spending, "spending hawks" view it as a critical move towards reigning in authorized spending – a relatively uncommon occurrence.

Challenges and Hurdles Ahead

Historically, rescission packages face an uphill battle, as Congress is often reluctant to cede its power of the purse. Senate Majority Leader John Thune indicated that the House is expected to consider the package first, followed by the Senate. However, the Senate's agenda is already crowded with a crypto regulation bill and other legislative priorities.

Sen. Susan Collins, chair of the Appropriations Committee, emphasized the complexities involved, noting ongoing discussions with the parliamentarian to navigate the intricate rules governing rescission packages. "It’s extremely complex and the rules, because there hasn’t been a successful rescission package in many, many years," she stated.

House Freedom Caucus Pushes for Swift Action

The House Freedom Caucus, a group of conservative hard-liners, is advocating for an expedited vote on the rescissions package. In a statement led by Rep. Andy Harris, the caucus expressed strong support for the cuts and urged the Republican-controlled House to advance the package swiftly, followed by passage in the Senate and ultimately, President Trump's signature.

Conclusion: A Fiscal Showdown Looms

The impending rescissions package sets the stage for a significant showdown in Congress. While the proposed cuts represent a relatively small portion of overall government spending, they signal a clear shift in priorities and a renewed effort to curb authorized expenditures. Whether this package will overcome historical trends and navigate the complex legislative landscape remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the debate over fiscal responsibility is far from over.

Tags: US foreign aid, budget cuts, Trump administration, rescissions package, USAID, NPR, PBS, Elon Musk, LGBTQ programs, congressional leaders

Source: https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/congress/white-house-ask-congress-codify-doge-cuts-usaid-public-broadcasting-rcna210595