Republicans Pass $9B Rescissions Cutting Public Broadcasting, Foreign Aid

Republicans have passed a $9 billion rescissions package aimed at cutting previously approved funding for public broadcasting and global health initiatives, fulfilling a priority of President Donald Trump. The legislation faces criticism from Democrats and some moderate Republicans who warn that these cuts could harm disaster response, public health, and international partnerships. Conservative groups and Trump supporters are urging Senate Republicans to fully back the package and view it as a first step toward deeper federal spending reductions. Notably, some GOP senators, including Mitch McConnell and Susan Collins, have expressed concerns about the lack of clarity on how the White House plans to implement the cuts and the potential impact on programs like PEPFAR and USAID. Meanwhile, House Republicans strongly support the package, with some members advocating for the complete elimination of agencies like USAID to reduce wasteful spending. The Senate's final vote is anticipated soon, with Vice President JD Vance having already cast tie-breaking votes to advance the measure amid some GOP opposition.