Trump wants to ignore Congress and cut nearly $1 billion in federal funding.

Time  - President Donald Trump said this week that he is seeking to cancel almost $1 billion in federal funding, sidestepping congressional approval and earning blowback from lawmakers on both sides of the aisle. Using a controversial move known as a “pocket rescission,” Trump said he wants to nullify $810 million that Congress had approved for programs largely serving immigrants, minorities, and children.

The Trump Administration said that rescinding the funds is “consistent with the Administration's goal of ending the use of Federal taxpayer dollars to support non-citizens, putting Americans first.” But the nonpartisan Government Accountability Office and lawmakers from both parties have asserted that the move is an illegal sidestepping of the constitutionally protected separation of powers—chiefly, Congress's power of the purse.

The Administration invoked the 1974 Impoundment Control Act, which allows the President to propose spending cancellations and gives Congress 45 days to approve them or see the funds released. However, the Administration submitted its request just five days before the fiscal year ends Sept. 30—all but ensuring the funds expire without congressional approval. —Rebecca Schneid/