In a landmark decision, the U.S. Senate has approved President Donald Trump’s controversial request to cancel $9.4 billion in previously authorized federal spending. The 51–48 vote passed largely along party lines, marking the most significant use of the rescission process in decades.
The package slashes over $8 billion from foreign aid programs and removes $1.1 billion from funding for public broadcasters, including NPR and PBS, as part of Trump’s broader push for “fiscal nationalism.”
The measure includes cuts to key international development agencies like USAID and U.N.-affiliated initiatives, raising concerns among global health advocates and humanitarian groups.
However, a compromise amendment allowed for the restoration of $400 million to the PEPFAR program, which supports HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment in Africa. Critics argue that the sweeping reductions could damage U.S. diplomatic influence and undermine public access to non-commercial media.
The bill now moves to the House of Representatives, where a vote is expected before the statutory deadline on Friday. If passed, it would mark a major political victory for Trump and a shift in the balance of power between the executive and legislative branches over spending.
Lawmakers and analysts are watching closely, as the outcome may set a precedent for future administrations to override congressional budget decisions.