In a tight 51–48 vote, the US Senate passed a rescissions package championed by President Trump, reclaiming approximately $9 billion in federal funding. The legislation targets around $8 billion in foreign aid and cancels about $1.1 billion earmarked for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, impacting NPR, PBS, and public stations nationwide .

The bill, a rarity in modern Congress, responds to Trump’s push for fiscal restraint, overseen by the Department of Government Efficiency, chaired briefly by Elon Musk. Senate Majority Leader John Thune praised the legislation as a modest step toward “fiscal sanity,” though supporters successfully retained $400 million for the PEPFAR HIV/AIDS initiative.

Opposition came from both parties: Republican Sens. Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski joined all Democrats, expressing alarm over transparency and rural broadcasting access.

Critics warn that deep cuts in humanitarian aid could undermine global health and diminish US influence abroad. USAID, already facing a 90% contract reduction since January, may see programs for food, water, and emergency assistance decimated—potentially affecting tens of thousands of vulnerable people.

The measure now heads to the House, which must approve it by Friday or risk the funds being disbursed as originally planned.