US Senate approves $9B spending cut targeting foreign aid, public broadcasting

ISTANBUL

The US Senate early Thursday approved a $9 billion rescissions package requested by the Trump administration, targeting previously authorized spending on foreign aid and public broadcasting.

The bill, passed in a 51-48 vote, eliminates around $8 billion from international aid programs, including funding for the US Agency for International Development (USAID), and $1.1 billion from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, which supports outlets such as NPR and PBS.

Republicans largely backed the measure, though two GOP senators — Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski — voted against it, citing concerns over congressional spending authority.

Collins, while opposing the overall package, secured the removal of a proposed $400 million cut to the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), a global health initiative that enjoys bipartisan support.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer criticized the move on X, calling it “a dark day for America, a dark day for rural Americans, a dark day for any American who relies on public broadcasting during floods, hurricanes, tornadoes, and other disasters.”

The vote followed a 12.5-hour amendment session, during which Democrats attempted to strip several provisions from the bill. All proposed changes were ultimately rejected.

The legislation now moves to the House, where Republicans aim to approve it by Friday under special budget reconciliation rules that allow passage without Democratic support. If cleared, the bill will be sent to the US president for signature.

ISTANBUL

The US Senate early Thursday approved a $9 billion rescissions package requested by the Trump administration, targeting previously authorized spending on foreign aid and public broadcasting.

Republicans largely backed the measure, though two GOP senators — Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski — voted against it, citing concerns over congressional spending authority.

The vote followed a 12.5-hour amendment session, during which Democrats attempted to strip several provisions from the bill. All proposed changes were ultimately rejected.