Overview

• The justices extended a temporary stay entered by Chief Justice John Roberts, blocking a district court order that had required immediate obligation of the money.
• In an unsigned order, the court said the plaintiffs likely lack authority to sue under the Impoundment Control Act and noted that asserted harms to the executive’s conduct of foreign affairs outweigh potential harms to the groups.
• Justices Elena Kagan, Sonia Sotomayor and Ketanji Brown Jackson dissented, warning the decision will effectively prevent expiring funds from reaching intended recipients.
• The administration is using a late 'pocket rescission' to withhold roughly $4–4.9 billion while saying it will still obligate about $6.5 billion in other aid before the fiscal year ends Sept. 30.
• Lower-court litigation continues over separation of powers and whether the president can withhold congressionally appropriated funds using end-of-year rescission tactics.