U.S. Senator Susan Collins, Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, addressed a full committee hearing regarding President Biden’s $9.4 billion rescissions package request. The hearing included testimony from Russell Vought, Director of the Office of Management and Budget, as well as Senators Eric Schmitt and Brian Schatz.
Senator Collins stated, “We convene today to review the special message transmitted on June 3rd by the President under the Impoundment Control Act (ICA). That message proposes to rescind $9.4 billion in previously appropriated funds, including $1.1 billion for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting and $8.3 billion for foreign assistance.”
The ICA allows the President to propose rescissions, but Congress must approve any cancellation of funding. Collins emphasized that this process is not the primary method for Congress to implement rescissions.
Collins expressed concern over specific areas affected by the proposed cuts. She noted that “the message proposes a $500 million cut to the Global Health Programs (GHP) account,” without specifying which programs would be impacted. Additionally, she highlighted potential reductions in aid to allies like Jordan and Egypt.
The proposal includes significant cuts from fiscal year 2025 funds for foreign assistance and advance appropriations for fiscal years 2026 and 2027 for public broadcasting.
Collins criticized some projects funded under previous administrations but questioned using them as justification for current rescissions. She also raised concerns about cutting funding for PEPFAR, stating it “has saved more than 26 million lives” and is crucial in combating HIV/AIDS.
Another area of concern was the elimination of advance appropriations to the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, which supports local stations’ emergency communications and programming.
In conclusion, Collins underscored the importance of transparency in federal budgeting processes: “Delayed budgets, missing details, and omitted spend plans make the federal budget less transparent and less accountable.”
