The White House is preparing to send its first rescissions package to Congress next week, according to Russ Vought, the director of the Office of Management and Budget. This package aims to cut funding for programs that many Republicans consider wasteful. Vought made the announcement during an interview on Fox Business, stating that the proposal will be delivered to the House on Monday or Tuesday, when Congress is back in session.
The rescissions package will focus on reducing spending at the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and foreign aid programs. Vought also mentioned that it will target funding for National Public Radio (NPR) and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB). This move comes after NPR sued President Trump over an executive order aimed at ending taxpayer support for media outlets that the administration deems biased.
Axios reported that the package could amount to $9.4 billion. Once submitted, lawmakers will have 45 days to approve it. Vought noted that the measure can pass with a simple majority in both the House and Senate, meaning the filibuster will not be a factor.
Vought expressed optimism about the package, saying that there have been productive discussions with lawmakers to ensure its passage. Speaker of the House Mike Johnson has indicated that the House will act quickly to codify these cuts once the package is received.
In addition to the rescissions package, Johnson mentioned that the House would also implement actions based on findings from the Department of Government Efficiency initiative, led by Elon Musk. This initiative aims to streamline government spending and improve efficiency.
Vought defended the recently passed "One Big, Beautiful Bill," which he believes is essential for achieving significant savings. He highlighted that it includes $1.6 trillion in mandatory savings, marking a notable achievement in federal budgeting.
As the White House gears up for this financial overhaul, the focus remains on cutting what some view as unnecessary spending, particularly in foreign aid and public broadcasting. The coming days will reveal how Congress responds to these proposed changes.