U.S. Senate Approves $9.4 Billion Spending Cut Targeting Foreign Aid, Public Broadcasting
Enet
The United States Senate has approved a White House proposal to rescind $9.4 billion in federal spending, with significant cuts directed at foreign aid and funding for public broadcasting services, including National Public Radio (NPR) and the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS).
The bill was narrowly passed in a 51–48 vote late on Wednesday, July 16, and now proceeds to the House of Representatives, where final approval is anticipated by July 18, according to CNN reports. Upon passage, the legislation will be forwarded to President Donald Trump for his signature.
The proposed cuts were introduced to Congress in early June, with House Speaker Mike Johnson describing the targeted expenditures as “wasteful.” The initiative has received backing from the Department of Government Efficiency, which echoed concerns about fiscal responsibility and streamlined governance.
In a related development, President Trump signed an executive order in May to cease federal funding for NPR and PBS, citing concerns over alleged “biased reporting.” The decision has drawn criticism and prompted legal action.
On May 27, NPR and a consortium of Colorado-based public radio stations filed a lawsuit against the administration, arguing that the funding termination constitutes a violation of press freedom and an attempt to undermine independent journalism.
The proposed legislation and executive actions have intensified national debate over government spending priorities and the independence of publicly funded media in the United States.
