WASHINGTON – The US Senate has advanced a major budget proposal that would cut approximately $9 billion in federal spending, including substantial reductions to foreign aid programs and funding for public broadcasting. The move aligns with President Trump’s request for a rescissions package aimed at curbing what he calls “wasteful spending.”
The Senate vote was evenly split, requiring Vice President J.D. Vance to cast the tie-breaking vote. The proposal now heads to the House of Representatives, which must act by the end of the week to formally approve the rescissions under the Impoundment Control Act.
While the original plan proposed cuts of $9.4 billion, the Senate preserved $400 million in global HIV/AIDS funding under PEPFAR. The final version targets $8 billion in foreign assistance—primarily handled by USAID—and $1.1 billion from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.
The vote revealed sharp divisions within the Republican Party. Some GOP senators expressed concern over transparency, the impact on global health initiatives, and the precedent of executive overreach in budgetary matters. Democrats attempted to introduce amendments to protect funding for climate programs, tribal media, and emergency alert systems, but these efforts were unsuccessful.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune defended the measure, calling it a necessary step toward fiscal responsibility. Opponents, however, warned that the cuts could undermine critical programs at home and abroad.
The House must now decide whether to endorse the Senate’s version of the bill before the deadline passes. If no action is taken, the rescinded funds will be released as originally planned.
This story has been reported by PakTribune. All rights reserved.