BREAKING NEWS: The House of Representatives has just approved a controversial measure to eliminate $9 billion in previously allocated funding for public broadcasting and foreign aid. The vote took place early on Friday, narrowly passing with a 216-213 count and sending the bill directly to President Donald Trump for final approval.
This significant decision follows a delay linked to a contentious debate over the Epstein files, but the urgency of this funding rescission has propelled it to the forefront. With the Senate having cleared the package just a day earlier in a 51-48 vote, this legislative action represents a pivotal moment for fiscal policy and government funding.
The rescission package specifically targets $1.1 billion from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, the organization responsible for funding key networks like PBS and NPR. In addition, approximately $8 billion will be cut from foreign aid programs, including funding allocations to USAID.
President Trump celebrated the bill’s passage on his platform, Truth Social, declaring: “REPUBLICANS HAVE TRIED DOING THIS FOR 40 YEARS, AND FAILED….BUT NO MORE. THIS IS BIG!!!” His comments reflect a long-standing commitment by Republican lawmakers to reduce government spending on what they deem politically biased media and bloated overseas expenses.
The vote was largely along party lines, with two Republican representatives, Reps. Brian Fitzpatrick and Mike Turner, siding with Democrats against the measure. Following the vote, House Speaker Mike Johnson emphasized the GOP’s promise of fiscal responsibility, stating: “The American people will no longer be forced to fund politically biased media and more than $8 billion in outrageous expenses overseas.”
As this story develops, the implications of these funding cuts are significant. Critics warn that decreased funding for public broadcasting may limit access to educational content and local news for millions of Americans. The ramifications for foreign aid could impact crucial international programs that provide humanitarian assistance.
Now, all eyes are on President Trump as he prepares to sign the bill into law. The decision will not only reshape funding dynamics but also set the stage for future legislative battles over government spending. Stay tuned for updates as this situation unfolds and impacts millions across the nation and world.