Trump administration officials are weighing a controversial maneuver aimed at allowing them to block federal funding previously authorized by Congress without lawmakers’ approval.

White House budget chief Russell Vought said earlier this month that the gambit, known as “pocket rescissions,” is one of the options on the table for the administration as it continues its quest to reduce federal spending.

But even some Republicans are uneasy about the idea and uncertain about its legality.

Here are a few things to know about the idea.

What are pocket rescissions?

While Congress has rescinded some federal funding over the years using legislative vehicles like the annual government spending bills, the president also has the powers to initiate a special process to yank back previously allocated funds – but lawmakers’ approval is still required to approve the rescission.

Earlier this month, Trump became the first president in decades to successfully claw back funds via the process, with Republicans in Congress rescinding about $9 billion in funding for foreign aid and public broadcasting.

The Impoundment Control Act (ICA) lays out rules governing that process and allows the administration to temporarily withhold funding for 45 days while Congress considers the request. If Congress opts not to approve the request, the funds must be released.

A pocket rescission would see the president send the same type of request to Congress, but do so within 45 days of the end of the fiscal year on Sept. 30.

The targeted funds could then essentially be held until the clock runs out and they expire.

“And then the money evaporates at the end of the fiscal year,” Vought, the head of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), said.

© The Hill