Overview

• The White House sent a 15‑page rescission notice to Speaker Mike Johnson announcing plans to revoke roughly $4.9–$5.0 billion in previously approved foreign aid.
• Officials cited the Impoundment Control Act and billed the action as the first use of a pocket rescission in about 50 years.
• The targeted funds are in the State Department and USAID, with some reporting indicating about $3.2 billion would come from USAID programs.
• The administration defended the move as taxpayer savings and an America First priority, with Secretary Marco Rubio and OMB director Russ Vought promoting the action.
• Bipartisan criticism surfaced immediately, including Senator Susan Collins calling the step illegal, and lawmakers warned the timing could derail spending negotiations ahead of the Sept. 30 fiscal‑year deadline.