The administration is reportedly trying to cancel Congress’s appropriations through 'pocket rescissions'—withholding funds late enough that they lapse—sidestepping the Impoundment Control Act’s limits. Congress could amend the ICA to bar end‑period impoundments and impose automatic court‑enforceable deadlines for obligation. That would remove a quiet tool for unilateral budget nullification.
— Clarifying that presidents cannot erase appropriations by delay would strengthen separation of powers and protect legislative control of the purse.
by Andy Kroll
2025.10.17
75% relevant
By portraying OMB as the dispenser (or withholder) of every congressional dollar and highlighting fund freezes, the piece underscores why end‑period impoundments and quiet holds matter and why Congress may need to curb pocket rescissions to protect its power of the purse.
Matthew Yglesias
2025.10.01
82% relevant
The article anchors its shutdown analysis in unprecedented party‑line rescissions and 'pocket rescissions' by the administration, arguing Democrats can’t strike appropriations deals that can be clawed back unilaterally—directly echoing calls to curb end‑period impoundment and tighten Impoundment Control Act guardrails.
Jordan Weissmann
2025.09.19
100% relevant
The article flags Trump’s attempt to use 'pocket rescissions' to cancel congressional appropriations at will.