PlainBillCongress, translated.Legislation. Context. Public interest.Read the second time. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 266.
Congressional Research Service
Version 00 · Introduced in Senate · Nov 7, 2025
Returning Unspent COVID Funds Act
This bill rescinds certain unobligated funds that were provided to address COVID-19 and requires the funds to be used for deficit reduction.
Specifically, the bill rescinds unobligated funds that were provided by
the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021;
Divisions M and N of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021;
the Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act;
the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act);
the Families First Coronavirus Response Act; and
the Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2020.
Funds rescinded by this bill must remain in the Treasury to be used for the sole purpose of deficit reduction.
The bill allows the President to waive the required rescission for an account or program if a notice waiving the rescission for the account or program is submitted to the House Budget Committee and the Senate Finance Committee no later than 60 days after the enactment of this bill.
People & committees
Sen. Ernst, Joni [R-IA] · R–IA
Legislative record
A procedural vote is different from passage. Passage in one chamber does not establish enactment. Explore the glossary.
Read the second time. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 266.
Introduced in the Senate. Read the first time. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under Read the First Time.
Introduced in Senate
Primary sources
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No related bills are listed in this snapshot. This does not establish whether the proposal has appeared in earlier Congresses.
Source last updated: Jan 30, 2026. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.
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Analyze S.3166 as objectively as possible. Explain its main provisions, who would be affected, possible benefits and harms, implementation, exceptions, and uncertainties. Present the strongest arguments for and against it, and identify evidence needed to assess its public impact.
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