# What the Rescissions Act of 2025 Actually Does

This bill cuts approximately $7.9 billion in federal spending that had already been approved and set aside for various international programs. Think of it like this: Congress previously allocated money for specific purposes, but this bill says "never mind" and takes that money back, preventing it from being spent. The cuts take effect immediately once the bill becomes law.

The biggest chunk of money being cut—about $2.5 billion—comes from development assistance programs that help countries around the world with economic growth and poverty reduction. Another $1.65 billion is cut from economic support funds, and $800 million is cut from refugee and migration assistance. The bill also eliminates all funding for public broadcasting for the next two years (2026 and 2027), though the specific amount isn't listed in the bill. Smaller cuts come from international peacekeeping operations, global health programs, disaster relief, and various international organizations and foundations.

These cuts primarily affect international aid and humanitarian programs rather than domestic spending. Organizations that rely on this funding—like those providing disaster relief, refugee services, development projects in poor countries, and public media—will see their budgets reduced or eliminated. American taxpayers will see less of their money going to these programs, though the impact on everyday Americans is indirect since these are international rather than domestic programs. The bill essentially represents a shift in priorities toward reducing foreign aid spending.

Rescissions Act of 2025

Scalise, Steve

Rescissions Act of 2025This bill rescinds $9.4 billion in&nbsp;unobligated funds that were provided to the Department of State, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), various independent and related agencies, and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.&nbsp;The rescissions were proposed by the President under procedures included in the Congressional Budget and Impoundment Control Act of 1974. Under current law, the President may propose rescissions to Congress using specified procedures, and the rescissions must be enacted into law to take effect.&nbsp;Specifically, the bill rescinds funds that were provided to the State Department or the President for<ul><li>Contributions to International Organizations;</li><li>Contributions for International Peacekeeping Activities;</li><li>Global Health Programs;</li><li>Migration and Refugee Assistance;</li><li>the Complex Crises Fund;</li><li>the Democracy Fund;</li><li>the Economic Support Fund;</li><li>Contributions to the Clean Technology Fund;</li><li>International Organization and Programs;</li><li>Development Assistance;</li><li>Assistance for Europe, Eurasia, and Central Asia;</li><li>International Disaster Assistance; and</li><li>Transition Initiatives.</li></ul>The bill also rescinds funds that were provided for&nbsp;<ul><li>USAID Operating Expenses,</li><li>the Inter-American Foundation,</li><li>the&nbsp;U.S. African Development Foundation,</li><li>the U.S. Institute of Peace, and</li><li>the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.</li></ul>