Republicans are pursuing further cuts to various non-entitlement social-safety-net programs after significant reductions implemented in Donald Trump's megabill. The Urban Institute identifies five critical non-entitlement programs: WIC, TANF, CCDF, LIHEAP, and public housing. Since these programs require annual appropriations from Congress, they can face additional cuts in upcoming appropriations bills. However, Democrats retain some leverage due to the filibuster on these bills. Additionally, current-year appropriations can be rescinded via a process that requires Congressional approval, allowing the Trump administration to propose budget cuts more directly.
Not all safety-net benefits and services are in entitlement programs that can be cut via budget-reconciliation measures. The Urban Institute defines five non-entitlement programs as part of the social-safety net: WIC, TANF, child-care subsidies, LIHEAP, and public housing.
Congressional Republicans want to cut the non-entitlement program spending even further. Fiscal hawks likely expect these cuts to secure their votes for Trump's megabill.
Appropriations, unlike reconciliation bills, can be filibustered in the Senate, giving Democrats some leverage over the funding of safety-net programs.
Trump’s budget director has proposed a $9.3 billion rescission package aimed at cuts mostly involving foreign aid and public broadcasting.
Collection
[
|
...
]