Senate GOP Drops PEPFAR Cuts, Faces Tight Deadline

Senate Republicans have removed $400 million in proposed cuts to the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) from a $9 billion rescissions package after opposition from centrist GOP senators. The move reduces the total cuts from $9.4 billion and aims to secure support among lawmakers who objected to targeting PEPFAR. The package, backed by the Trump administration, still proposes clawbacks from agencies like USAID and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, with cuts to public broadcasting now appearing more likely. Amendments have redirected funds to protect rural and tribal radio services. Senate Majority Leader John Thune noted broad interest in saving PEPFAR, while some senators remain undecided due to other contentious cuts. The package faces a tight deadline and must pass both chambers by the end of the week to take effect.