What are rescissions – and why does Trump want Congress to approve them?

The president is pushing for cuts in spending that Congress needs to approve to take effect - but what exactly are they?

Congressional Republicans are pushing for passage of a rescissions package, legislation requested by Donald Trump that will claw back $9bn in funding intended for foreign aid programs and public broadcasting.

The bill, which is part of the president's campaign to slash government spending, has passed the Senate by a narrow margin of 51 votes to 48.