US Republicans has approved President Donald Trump’s proposal to cut $9 billion in previously approved spending, including funding for foreign aid and public broadcasting — a move that critics warn could jeopardize global health programs and media access during disasters.
The narrow 216-213 vote in the Republican-controlled House followed party lines and ratified a Senate-passed bill that now heads to the White House for Trump’s signature. The measure marks a significant milestone in the former president’s ongoing push to slash federal spending and enforce “fiscal responsibility,” a cornerstone of his 2024 re-election platform.
“President Trump and House Republicans promised fiscal responsibility and government efficiency,” said House Speaker Mike Johnson. “Today, we’re once again delivering on that promise.”
Trump celebrated the passage with characteristic flair on Truth Social:
“REPUBLICANS HAVE TRIED DOING THIS FOR 40 YEARS, AND FAILED… BUT NO MORE. THIS IS BIG!!!”
The rescissions package cancels $1.1 billion allocated to the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, which funds over 1,500 local NPR and PBS affiliates across the country. Conservatives argue the funding is outdated and fuels what they claim is biased media coverage.
Also on the chopping block were major foreign aid allocations — including funding for countries ravaged by war, natural disasters, and health crises. The original draft even proposed a $400 million cut to the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), which has saved over 26 million lives globally. That specific provision was dropped following pushback from moderate Republicans.
The cuts also signal a renewed commitment to the mission of the so-called Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), an initiative launched by tech billionaire Elon Musk before his public fallout with Trump and resignation in May. Though Musk pledged to identify $1 trillion in federal savings, Friday’s cuts represent just a fraction.
Democrats lambasted the move, warning that rescinding previously approved funding undermines bipartisan budgeting and puts vulnerable populations — both foreign and domestic — at risk.
“Instead of protecting the health, safety, and well-being of the American people, House Republicans have once again rubber-stamped Donald Trump’s extreme, reckless rescissions legislation,” said House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries.
Democratic leaders also warned that Republicans’ actions may pave the way for a government shutdown this fall, as a new funding agreement will require bipartisan support in the Senate. Republicans currently hold 53 of the 100 Senate seats, making cooperation essential.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer condemned the bill as “a dark day for any American who relies on public broadcasting during floods, hurricanes, tornadoes, and other disasters.”
White House budget director Russell Vought signaled that this may only be the beginning, stating Thursday that the administration is preparing another rescissions package — a move likely to intensify political tensions.
