Washington: Congress passed a $9 billion bill "clawing back" money already allocated just after midnight on Friday, sending it to US President Donald Trump's desk for approval, according to local media.
According to Anadolu Agency, the measure, known as a "rescissions package," passed the House in a narrow 216-213 vote, with only two Republicans-Reps. Brian Fitzpatrick and Mike Turner-breaking ranks. The bill aims to cut $8 billion from the US Agency for International Development (USAID) and $1 billion from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, which includes funding for PBS television and NPR radio. These funds were originally allocated for fiscal year 2025.
Republicans have framed the bill as a measure to curb what they describe as "woke" spending, while Democrats have warned of potential harm to foreign aid and public media. House Majority Leader Steve Scalise commented, "This bill tonight is part of continuing that trend of getting spending under control. Does it answer all the problems? No. $9 billion, I would say is a good start."
President Trump expressed his approval of the vote on social media, stating, "House approves nine billion dollar cuts package, including atrocious NPR and public broadcasting, where billions of dollars a year were wasted. Republicans have tried doing this for 40 years, and failed.but no more. This is big!!!"
The debate in Congress was heated, with Democrats linking the vote to the controversy surrounding sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. They criticized the Trump administration for withholding files on Epstein, which many hoped would reveal significant information. Rep. Jim McGovern stated, "If every Republican votes to block our attempt to release the records, they are telling Epstein's victims, you don't matter."
House Speaker Mike Johnson defended the Republicans' stance, asserting that they were "trying to stick to their job" and prevent "politicization." An earlier version of the rescissions package, totaling $9.4 billion, was reduced in the Senate due to concerns about cuts to global HIV/AIDS prevention programs.
President Trump is expected to sign the bill on Friday, representing a rare rollback of previously approved federal funds.