# Trump’s pocket rescission threatens Maryland budgets

> White House cancels $810m federal funds, risking Maryland budgets.
- Title: Trump’s pocket rescission threatens Maryland budgets
- Summary: White House cancels $810m federal funds, risking Maryland budgets. President Trump’s pocket rescission of $810 million in congressionally approved funds…
- Keywords: pocket rescission, maryland budgets, prince george’s county, federal funding cuts, health assures program, refugee assistance, minority business development, housing counseling, news, local, Trump, pocket
- Source: The Banner — https://thebanner.com/politics-power/national-politics/pocket-rescission-maryland-budget-DPFMWNV7AZE25KMYBOFDZNPD5Y
- Author: Ashley Clarke
- Published: 2026-09-29T16:57:27.663+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: pocket rescission, maryland budgets, prince george’s county, federal funding cuts, health assures program, refugee assistance, minority business development, housing counseling, news, local
## 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.
## Key takeaway

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.