US Senate Approves $9B Cuts to Foreign Aid, Public Broadcasting

The U.S. Senate narrowly approved a $9 billion rescissions package proposed by President Donald Trump aimed at clawing back previously approved federal funding, primarily targeting foreign aid and public broadcasting. The package includes a $1.1 billion cut to the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, which supports NPR, PBS, and their member stations, drawing criticism from some Republicans and Democrats who worry about the impact on public services. The bill passed 51-48, with Senators Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski breaking ranks to oppose it, citing concerns over unclear details regarding program reductions. The legislation now returns to the House for approval before it can be signed into law, with the deadline looming. This move is part of a broader Trump administration effort to reduce government spending, overseen by the Department of Government Efficiency under Elon Musk’s leadership. The cuts have sparked debate about the balance between fiscal responsibility and maintaining funding for essential services and foreign aid programs.