**Congress Faces Looming Deadline Over Trump’s $9.4 Billion Rescission Request**

Congress is on a tight deadline to weigh in on President Donald Trump’s proposal to retract $9.4 billion in previously approved funds. If both the House and Senate don't act by July 18, the White House will have to spend the money. This timeframe was confirmed by the Senate parliamentarian, according to sources who chose to remain anonymous due to the sensitive nature of the information.

The urgency stems from Trump’s specific request to overturn $8.3 billion in foreign aid and $1.1 billion allocated for public broadcasting. Both chambers of Congress can choose to approve the request in full, reject it, or modify it. If Congress does not come to a decision within the 45-day window, the funds must be spent according to a longstanding law designed to prevent presidents from withholding Congress-approved funds.

While the House is expected to vote on the proposal next week, Senate Republicans are contemplating potential adjustments, due to concerns from several GOP members about slashing funds for PBS, NPR, and global AIDS prevention initiatives. History provides some precedent for a compromise; in 1995, Congress approved a package that partially addressed then-President Bill Clinton’s funding rescissions.

The legislative process has extra time considerations due to “pro forma” sessions scheduled during congressional breaks, ensuring the 45-day countdown continues without pause. The outcome of these deliberations remains crucial not only for the programs potentially affected but also as a significant statement on the balance of fiscal power between the legislative and executive branches.