The U.S. Capitol Building photographed on March 16, 2026 in Washington.
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The White House announced Friday night a plan to withdraw $810 million in funds appropriated by Congress, drawing criticism from lawmakers.
A year ago, President Donald Trump’s administration blocked $4.9 billion in foreign aid approved by Congress with a pocket repositioning, marking the first time in nearly 50 years that a president has attempted to use that power.
The controversial budget maneuver comes as the president submits a request to Congress to block funding near the end of the fiscal year, when the money could expire before Congress completes its 45-day review period under the law.
In a statement, the White House cited the Confiscation and Control Act (ICA) as the basis for the Trump administration’s authority. However, the Government Accountability Office said the ICA does not allow the proposed revocation to be held up until the deadline if Congress does not approve it.
Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine), chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, slammed the move in a statement published in X.
“This is the latest attempt by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to undermine Congress’ constitutional authority,” she wrote.
“The independent Government Audit Office has concluded that pocket cancellations are illegal and not permitted by the Seizure Management Act,” Collins added. “Any effort to cancel appropriated funds without Congressional approval is a clear violation of the law.”
Neither the White House nor Collins’ office immediately responded to requests for comment from CNBC.
The revocation would block $567 million earmarked for health and human services programs for refugees, asylum seekers, and other noncitizens, and $28 million earmarked for HHS research. Additional cuts include the Department of Education’s special programs for immigrant students.
