Minnesota State Wire

Pete Stauber, a representative from Minnesota, announced that the House-approved Rescissions Package aims to return $9 billion to taxpayers and halt U.S. funding for select international programs. The statement was made on the social media platform X.

"ICYMI: With my support, the House sent the Rescissions Package to the President's desk, delivering a $9 billion refund to the American taxpayer," said Stauber. "Your taxpayer dollars should not be funding Iraqi Sesame Street, “Net Zero Cities" in Mexico, or the corrupt World Health Organization."

The Rescissions Package has recently been at the center of heated Congressional debates over U.S. foreign aid spending. Lawmakers are divided on whether to cut taxpayer funds for international programs or maintain support for global initiatives, according to The Wall Street Journal. Proponents argue that the package will help reduce federal deficits, while critics warn it could undermine U.S. diplomatic and humanitarian goals abroad.

According to the U.S. Agency for International Development, in 2023, the United States allocated more than $55 billion in international aid. Major recipients included Ukraine, Israel, Afghanistan, and several African countries for programs related to security, health, and development.

A report by the Congressional Research Service indicates that the 2024 Rescissions Package sought to save about $11 billion in federal funds. This figure is significantly higher than most rescission efforts in the last decade, which ranged from $2 billion to $7 billion.

Stauber represents Minnesota’s 8th District and is a former Duluth police officer. He serves on the House Appropriations and Natural Resources Committees with a policy focus on law enforcement, fiscal restraint, and economic growth, as outlined by Ballotpedia.