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Senate Narrowly Approves Bill Slashing Funds for Public
Broadcasting and Foreign Aid
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In a dramatic late-night session, the U.S. Senate has taken
a major step toward slashing billions from public broadcasting and foreign aid,
following a marathon debate that stretched into the early hours of July 17. The
move, championed by Republicans and formally requested by President Donald
Trump, would see $9 billion in federal funds cut from programs that many
Americans rely on for news, education, and global health support.
A Divided Vote, With Some GOP Pushback
The vote was close, reflecting deep divisions even within
the Republican Party. Notably, Senators Lisa Murkowski of Alaska and Susan
Collins of Maine broke ranks with their party, voting against the measure.
Their opposition centered on concerns about the impact of these cuts,
especially to programs that serve vulnerable populations both at home and
abroad.
What’s on the Chopping Block?
If the bill becomes law, it will mean significant reductions
for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting—the organization behind NPR and
PBS, which millions of Americans turn to for trusted news and educational
programming. Also facing cuts are key foreign aid agencies, including the World
Health Organization and the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).
Originally, the House version of the bill included a
controversial $400 million cut to global AIDS prevention efforts. However,
after pushback from some senators, including Collins, the Senate removed this
particular cut during their lengthy deliberations.
A Race Against the Clock
The urgency is real: President Trump’s request for these
cuts officially expires at midnight on July 18. With the Senate’s approval now
in hand, the bill heads back to the House, where lawmakers must sign off on the
Senate’s changes before the deadline. Despite some grumbling from fiscal
conservatives who wanted even deeper cuts, the House is expected to pass the
bill, giving the Trump administration a significant win on its spending
priorities.
Tough Choices and Reluctant Votes
For many lawmakers, the process has been a balancing act.
House Appropriations Committee Chair Tom Cole (R-Oklahoma) admitted that the
cuts weren’t easy. “There are things in there I would've preferred not to cut,”
he told reporters, though he declined to specify which programs he meant. “But,
you know, I understand ... You're going to end up having to cut some things you
don't want to cut. That's just the nature of it. Every decision can't be one
that makes you happy.”
Still, Cole said he’s ready to support the final package,
whatever form it takes after the Senate’s revisions.
What’s Next?
As the House prepares for a final vote, the fate of public
broadcasting and foreign aid funding hangs in the balance. For supporters of
NPR, PBS, and global health initiatives, the coming days will be critical. Stay
tuned for updates as this story develops.
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