The Implementing DOGE Act (H.R. 199) would impose automatic, across-the-board rescissions of nonsecurity discretionary spending starting in FY2026. If total appropriations for a given year exceed the prior year's total by more than 1% (the “excess growth percent”), the act requires rescinding that excess amount from nonsecurity discretionary programs on a pro rata basis, after appropriations are made available through September 30 of that fiscal year. The rescission would not directly target security-category funding, and it would apply to regular appropriation acts (including continuing resolutions). In short, any growth in overall nonsecurity discretionary spending above a 1% baseline would be trimmed back automatically, proportionally across all nonsecurity programs.
Key Points
- 1Short title: The act may be cited as the Implementing Decreases in Overall Government Expenditures Act or the Implementing DOGE Act.
- 2Across-the-board rescission mechanism: For FY2026 and onward, if total appropriations exceed the previous year by more than 1%, the excess growth percent is rescinded from nonsecurity discretionary appropriations on a pro rata basis.
- 3Definition of terms: The bill provides specific definitions for budget authority, discretionary appropriations, security category, excess growth percent, nonsecurity discretionary appropriations, and regular appropriation acts (including continuing resolutions).
- 4Scope and exclusions: The rescission targets only nonsecurity discretionary spending; spending in the security category is not subject to this automatic cut under the act.
- 5Triggers and timing: The rescission takes effect on the day after appropriations are made available through September 30 of the applicable fiscal year, meaning the cut occurs after the year’s funding is allocated.
- 6Implementation approach: The mechanism is automatic and does not require additional separate congressional action to enact the rescission beyond the initial statute.