Congress Advances Sweeping Federal Spending Cuts Bill

Congress is advancing a bill based on President Trump's 2026 budget proposal that makes sweeping federal spending cuts, now targeting foreign aid, public broadcasting (including PBS and NPR), environmental programs, and small business support like SCORE. The measure has passed the House and faces a close Senate vote, with Vice President JD Vance providing a tiebreaker. Key environmental and climate programs, such as the EPA’s Diesel Emissions Reduction Act and international commitments like the Montreal Protocol, face deep reductions or elimination. Supporters claim the cuts are needed to reduce government spending, while opponents warn of threats to disaster information services, public health, and innovation. Some Republicans remain skeptical about the bill's specifics, and Democrats highlight risks to public safety and research. The legislation’s final outcome depends on pending Senate and House votes before going to the president.