Clawing back unspent COVID-19 relief funds may not improve the US fiscal picture and could negatively impact specific programs, vulnerable populations, and the long-term economic recovery.
Republicans at the US House of representatives are eyeing unspent COVID-19 relief funds as a target to rein in federal spending.
However, a review of federal spending figures by Reuters suggests that clawing back the remaining $80 billion of unspent aid may not significantly improve the US fiscal picture, but could instead have real-world repercussions.
The largest chunk of unspent funds, $47 billion, is earmarked for financially troubled union pension funds that have asked the federal Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation for help.