The Congress budget bill has been passed, but uncertainty over foreign aid remains. Lawmakers approved a continuing resolution that keeps USAID funding at 2024 levels until September, but discussions are already underway about a potential rescission package that could cut billions in global aid. Plan International USA’s Justin Fugle, Director of Policy, noted that Congress has yet to assert its role in shaping the future of development assistance, despite the administration's ongoing foreign aid review and the dismantling of USAID programs.
If Congress does not intervene, unspent funds could be reallocated or left to expire, effectively enacting a de facto rescission. Meanwhile, agencies must now submit detailed spending reports, which may reveal the administration’s next steps for USAID funding. While Congress has historically rejected deep foreign aid cuts, shifting political dynamics make the future unpredictable. Experts argue that a continuing resolution is not an adequate substitute for a dedicated budget, leaving critical humanitarian programs in limbo.
