Rep. Rosa DeLauro Slams GOP Rescissions Act for Aiding Billionaires and Harming Americans

Opposition to HR 4: The Rescissions Act

• ❌ Rep. Rosa DeLauro strongly opposes HR 4, the Rescissions Act of 2025, calling it a bill that aids billionaires in stealing from the American people and does nothing to help with the cost of living.
• 🏛️ The bill is seen as an attempt to make the government dysfunctional and under-resourced, ultimately leading to privatization and unchecked corporate power.

Unlawful Impoundment and Constitutional Authority

• ⚖️ DeLauro asserts that President Trump has unlawfully impounded $425 billion in appropriated funding, violating the separation of powers and constitutional order.
• 📜 She emphasizes that Congress, not the President, holds the power to delay or deny funds, citing historical precedent and legal figures like Justice Scalia and Chief Justice Roberts.
• ⚠️ The act of codifying these cuts is described as an attempt by President Trump and Russ Vote to cover up their illegal actions by exploiting a mechanism within the Empowerment Control Act, which they themselves deem unconstitutional.

Impact on American Communities and Global Standing

• 💸 The bill is criticized for prioritizing billionaires and large corporations over the middle class, working class, and vulnerable families.
• 📡 It threatens to shut down rural television and radio stations, cutting off local news and emergency information, and jeopardizing children's programming.
• 💔 Lifesaving aid to developing countries, programs treating deadly diseases, and support for allies like Ukraine are at risk of being cut, undermining U.S. global leadership and national security.

Consequences for Global Leadership and National Security

• 📉 Cutting aid and retreating from global engagement will leave America isolated and benefit adversaries like China, Russia, and Iran.
• 🇺🇸 The bill is framed as putting "America Last" by abandoning international responsibilities and forfeiting the goodwill generated by U.S. aid.
• 📈 The rescissions package is linked to a Republican reconciliation bill that could increase the national debt by $3 trillion and strip health insurance from millions.