Money & budgets
rescission
A proposal to cancel previously appropriated money. The President may propose one and withhold the funds for 45 days; only Congress can make it permanent.
In full
Under the Impoundment Control Act, a rescission request suspends the funds while Congress considers it, and expedited procedures allow a simple-majority vote in the Senate. If Congress does not act within 45 days of continuous session, the money must be released. This is the lawful route for not spending an appropriation.
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A plain-language explanation for civic education, not legal advice. When in doubt, the official source named above controls.