The measure resorts to a presidential termination that was not applied since 1977 and generates criticism for its impact on international policy and public spending control.
The president of the United States, Donald Trumphe informed the head of the House of Representatives, Mike Johnsonwhich will not execute US $ 4,900 million destined for foreign aid approved by Congressde facto cutting the budget without going through the Legislative Power. For this, Trump resorted to what is known as a “Pocket termination”a mechanism that allows the President to request the Congress not to spend approved funds towards the end of the fiscal year, so that the money is without assigning if the congress does not act within 45 days. This maneuver was not used for almost 50 years and coincides with the closing of the fiscal year at the end of September.
According to the letter disseminated by the White House Management and Budget Officethe affected funds would come from State Department and of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID)entity that has become a target of Trump’s efforts to reduce foreign aid. If applied routinely, this strategy would allow the White House to avoid Congress in key expenditure decisions and complicate budget planning for the next fiscal year.
Experts and legislators described the measure as an extraordinary step that reflects a broader pattern of the Trump administration for Increase control over governmentweakening the influence of Congress and federal agencies such as the Federal Reserve or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The strategy adds to other controversial decisions of the president, such as mass layoffs of officials and tariff increases without legislative approval, leaving the final resolution to the Judiciary.
The Secretary of State, Marco Rubiohe reported on the X network that USAID is practically at closinghighlighting the management of the Budget Director of the White House, Russ Vought. The 1974 embargo control law allows the President to propose the cancellation of approved funds, although Congress can, within 45 days, maintain or withdraw them. When presenting the termination about September 30, the White House argues that the money will not be spent and expired automatically. The last registered pocket termination dates back to 1977, under the government of Jimmy Carter.
The measure generated immediate criticism. The Republican Senator Susan Collins He affirmed that the Constitution gives Congress the power of spending and that the maneuver constitutes a legal violation. For his part, the Democratic leader in the Senate, Chuck Schumerwarned that the decision could undermine the normal financing process and cause a “painful and completely unnecessary” closure of the government. Schumer stressed that any budget agreement reached could lack an effect if the White House decides to retain funds unilaterally.
Academics like Eloise Pasachoffof the University of Georgetown, they pointed out that the Law of Control of embargoes demands the action of Congress within 45 days, which would prevent the White House from deciding on its own not to spend the funds. The termination package includes US $ 3,200 million in development assistance, US $ 520 million for the UN, US $ 838 million for Yu $ S322 million maintenance operations to promote democratic values abroad.
Impact on foreign policy and international aid
Trump had already obtained in July the approval of cuts for US $ 9,000 million for public broadcasting and foreign aid, and the reduction of international funds has become a seal of its foreign policy, despite the fact that savings are limited to the deficit and could affect the reputation of the United States before the international community.
Since then, USAID has been dismantled and the remaining programs have gone to the control of the State Department. The White House even went to the Supreme Court to stop judicial failures that protected certain global health programs, including the fight against HIV and AIDS.
Source: Ambito
