Earlier this week, President Trump unveiled a proposal to rescind $15 billion in previously appropriated, but never spent funding. This measure, H.R. 3, the Spending Cuts to Expired and Unnecessary Programs Act, is an important step toward spending reduction. All Members of Congress should support this legislation.
[See ATR President Grover Norquist Discuss Rescissions on Fox Business Here]
Under the Congressional Budget and Impoundment Control Act of 1974 (ICA), the President has the authority to request Congress act on rescinding previously appropriated funding. Under the ICA, Congress has 45 days to act and any proposal is subject to expedited legislative procedures.
The ICA has been used by Democrats and Republicans in the past to rescind funding that has been allocated but never used. Trump’s $15 billion rescissions package is the largest in history. Proposed rescissions include:
- $4.3 billion from the Advanced Technology Vehicles Manufacturing Loan Program. These funds were obligated in 2011 but were never used.
- $523 million from the Title 17 Innovative Technology Loan Guarantee Program. This program lapsed in 2011.
- $5.1 billion from Children Health Insurance Fund and $1.8 billion from the Child Enrollment Contingency Fund. Neither proposal would impact children on the program.
- $800 million from Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovations.
- $252 million from the Ebola response.
- $500 million from the Farm Security and Rural Investment Programs.
- $157 million from the Watershed and Flood Prevention Operations.
- $148 million from Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.
- $133 million from Railroad Unemployment Insurance Extended Benefits.