Senate Approves $9 Billion Cuts to Foreign Aid, Public Broadcasting

The U.S. Senate approved a $9 billion budget rescissions bill requested by President Trump, marking a significant victory for his administration's efforts to curb federal spending, particularly targeting foreign aid and public broadcasting. The bill, which passed 51-48 largely along party lines, includes cuts to foreign aid programs that support countries affected by disease, war, and natural disasters, while preserving some funding for HIV/AIDS efforts and food aid. The legislation also eliminates $1.1 billion in funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, raising concerns about the impact on rural news access and public media services. Critics, including Senators Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski, expressed apprehension over the lack of transparency regarding which programs will be cut and the broader consequences for communities reliant on these services. Democrats and some Republicans warned that the process undermines Congress's constitutional spending authority and could have life-or-death consequences globally. Despite these concerns, Senate leaders defended the measure as a necessary step toward reducing wasteful spending and promoting fiscal responsibility.