White House to request $11 billion in spending cuts

The White House plans to ask Congress for $11 billion in discretionary spending cuts, a GOP aide told The Hill, a significant decrease from earlier ambitions to cut as much as $60 billion.

The package of cuts, first reported by Politico, would come in the form of a rescissions request from the president as soon as Monday. Congress has 45 days to act on such requests.

An administration official emphasized that the package has yet to be finalized.

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“While discussions are ongoing and the final number is still in flux, it’s important to note that this package will be the first in a series,” the official said.

Many congressional Republicans are wary of cutting back spending in the aftermath of the bipartisan spending deal in March, in which Democrats agreed to higher defense spending in exchange for higher levels of nondefense funding. 

The deal resulted in March’s $1.3 trillion omnibus spending package, which President Trump railed against before signing it into law. Some Republicans worry that going back on their spending promises would poison the well in future negotiations with Democrats.

According to Politico, the $11 billion would focus on unspent funds that were approved in previous years rather than targeting funds approved in the 2018 omnibus, which could make it easier for Republicans concerned about backtracking on their recent promises.

Updated: 4:05 p.m.