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The U.S. Senate narrowly approved a $9 billion rescissions package backed by President Donald Trump, targeting previously allocated funding for foreign aid programs and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB). The measure passed 51–48, with Vice President JD Vance casting a tie-breaking vote during earlier procedural stages.
💰 Key Funding Cuts
- Foreign Aid: Approximately $8 billion rescinded from programs including USAID global health initiatives, refugee assistance, and economic development funds.
- Public Broadcasting: Nearly $1.1 billion cut from CPB, affecting over 1,500 local radio and television stations, including NPR and PBS.
🛑 Republican Divisions and Amendments
While most Republicans supported the bill, Sens. Susan Collins (ME), Lisa Murkowski (AK), and Mitch McConnell (KY) joined Democrats in opposition, citing concerns over transparency and the impact on rural broadcasting.
To secure passage, Senate leaders removed $400 million in proposed cuts to PEPFAR, the global HIV/AIDS relief program, and redirected funds to support tribal radio stations.
🗣️ Political Reactions
- Sen. John Thune (R-SD) called the measure a “small but important step toward fiscal sanity”.
- Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY) warned the cuts could undermine bipartisan budgeting and damage U.S. global standing.
- Critics highlighted the potential loss of emergency alert systems in rural areas and the weakening of humanitarian aid during global crises.
📆 Next Steps
The amended bill now returns to the House of Representatives for final approval. If not passed by midnight on July 18, the targeted funds will be released as originally appropriated.
U.S.-Senatem-Capitol-Building-on-Flickr-by-ajagendorf
