Threat of Backdoor Funding Cuts Roils Congress, Risks Shutdown

President Donald Trump’s budget chief Russell Vought has antagonized Congress for six months with maneuvers to block federal spending.

He may now employ a controversial and legally dubious tactic to halt funds called a “pocket rescission.” The move would unilaterally cut spending using a loophole in a 1974 budget law.

Using such a tool threatens to heighten tensions on Capitol Hill and increase the risk of a government shutdown in October.

The issue could reach a breaking point as soon as mid-August, when Vought can take advantage of a 45-day window to block funding without a vote by Congress. ...