California and six other states have taken the Trump administration to court over its decision to withhold hundreds of millions of dollars in federal funding that had already been approved by Congress.
The lawsuit, filed in the US District Court for the Northern District of California, challenges the administration’s move to block roughly $810 million in funds before the end of the federal fiscal year.
The dispute stems from the administration’s attempt last week to prevent spending on programs related to immigration, education and race. The White House used what is known as a “pocket rescission,” asking Congress to cancel the appropriations so close to the end of the fiscal year that the money would expire before lawmakers could take action.
California Attorney General Rob Bonta, who is leading the legal challenge, argued that the administration cannot simply refuse to spend money that Congress has already appropriated.
The states contend that the move violates constitutional provisions governing the separation of powers, congressional control over federal spending and the process by which legislation takes effect.
At the heart of the case is the Constitution’s allocation of the federal government’s spending authority. Congress holds the power to appropriate federal money, while the executive branch is responsible for carrying out spending authorized by lawmakers.
The administration has defended its position by arguing that the affected programs contribute to illegal immigration, intensify racial divisions or promote what it considers alarmist environmental policies.
The states, however, maintain that the administration’s decision effectively allows the executive branch to override Congress’s spending decisions.
The lawsuit adds another legal confrontation over the scope of presidential authority and the limits on the White House’s ability to block congressionally approved spending.
