From The Banner · Ashley Clarke · · 1m 50s
Trump’s pocket rescission threatens Maryland budgets
White House cancels $810m federal funds, risking Maryland budgets.
In brief
White House cancels $810m federal funds, risking Maryland budgets. President Trump’s pocket rescission of $810 million in congressionally approved funds threatens Maryland and Prince George’s County budgets, with local officials warning of severe impacts on community programs. Originally reported by The Banner.
White House move
President Trump requested 11 rescissions across six federal departments targeting $810 million in congressionally approved funds.
Local budget concerns
Maryland and Prince George’s County leaders warn county and state budgets cannot absorb or replace the lost federal funding.
Senate opposition
U.S. Sen. Chris Van Hollen called the freeze 'wrong, illegal, and will have devastating impacts' on Maryland communities.
Health Assures impact
Prince George’s County’s Health Assures program, which provides healthcare for uninsured and undocumented residents, lost federal funding.
County council response
Prince George’s County Council member Wala Blegay said local safety nets have lost federal funding, forcing county to fill gaps with limited resources.
Pocket rescission definition
Under federal law, a president can freeze funds for up to 45 days while Congress considers a cancellation request.
Legal challenge
Government Accountability Office states pocket rescissions are illegal under the Impoundment Control Act.
Administration defense
White House claims the cuts target 'wasteful and harmful spending' including pro-illegal immigration programs and DEI initiatives.
State response
Maryland House Speaker Joseline Peña-Melnyk emphasized refugee programs help people build stable lives in new communities.
Minority business impact
Prince George’s County entrepreneurs face reduced access to federal procurement support after $10 million cut to Minority Business Development Agency.
County council warning
Prince George’s County Council member Wanika Fisher warned the government is supposed to help people, not cause harm during economic challenges.
Budget uncertainty
Maryland cannot replace every federal dollar withdrawn, requiring careful evaluation of state budget impacts.
The headline
President Trump’s pocket rescission of $810 million in congressionally approved funds threatens Maryland and Prince George’s County budgets, with local officials warning of severe impacts on community programs.
