H.R.4 - Rescissions Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.4, the Rescissions Act of 2025, proposes to rescind specific budget authority previously allocated in the Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2024, and the Full-Year Continuing Appropriations Act, 2025. The bill targets unobligated balances across various international programs and assistance initiatives. These rescissions would permanently cut funding from areas such as international organizations, global health programs, migration and refugee assistance, and other bilateral economic assistance efforts.
Expected Effects
The immediate effect of this Act, if enacted, would be a reduction in the funding available for the specified international programs and organizations. This could lead to a decrease in the scope and effectiveness of these programs. It could also alter the United States' role and influence in international affairs.
Potential Benefits
- Potential reduction in the national debt due to decreased government spending.
- Possible reallocation of funds to domestic programs.
- Increased fiscal responsibility by reducing spending on international initiatives.
- May lead to greater scrutiny of international programs and their effectiveness.
- Could free up resources for other national priorities.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Reduced support for international organizations and programs, potentially weakening global cooperation on critical issues.
- Negative impact on global health initiatives, potentially leading to increased disease and instability in developing countries.
- Decreased assistance for refugees and migrants, possibly exacerbating humanitarian crises.
- Weakened U.S. influence and standing in international affairs.
- Potential for destabilizing effects in regions reliant on U.S. economic assistance.
Constitutional Alignment
The Rescissions Act of 2025 primarily concerns budgetary matters, which fall under the purview of Congress according to Article I, Section 8 of the Constitution, granting Congress the power to lay and collect taxes, duties, imposts and excises, to pay the debts and provide for the common defense and general welfare of the United States. The act itself does not appear to infringe upon any specific individual rights or liberties protected by the Constitution or its amendments.
However, the implications of reduced funding for international programs could indirectly affect the nation's ability to "provide for the common defence" (Preamble) if these programs contribute to global stability and security. The constitutionality hinges on whether the rescissions are implemented in a manner consistent with existing laws and treaties.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).