Schmidt, House Vote to Recover Billions of Taxpayer Dollars

June 12, 2025 Press Release WASHINGTON, DC : Congressman Derek Schmidt (KS-02) today released the following statement after the House passed H.R. 4, the Rescissions Act of 2025 . The legislation claws back $9.4 billion taxpayer dollars earmarked for unnecessary spending. “Our country is $36 trillion in debt and sinking deeper every year. We simply cannot continue the mindset of being all things to all people,” Congressman Schmidt said . “Stopping unnecessary spending identified by the Trump Administration and the Department of Government Efficiency is a critical step in solving our nation’s debt crisis. I hope today's vote is a watershed and going forward we can keep bending the government spending curve downward. Our kids' future depends on it.” BACKGROUND The United States’ gross national debt now surpasses $36 trillion and is equal to 123% of gross domestic product , the highest spending since World War II. H.R. 4 , the Rescissions Act of 2025 , codifies the White House’s request to rescind $9.4 billion of previously appropriated federal funding, including: $1 million for voter ID in Haiti $3 million for Iraqi Sesame Street $6 million for "Net Zero Cities" in Mexico $500,000 for electric buses in Rwanda The rescinded funds will be returned to the U.S. Treasury. ### Issues : Congress Economy