The Senate narrowly passed a package to rescind around $9 billion in previously approved federal spending, fulfilling Donald Trump’s push to reduce what his administration calls “wasteful” government expenditures. The cuts target foreign-aid programs and funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB), which supports public broadcasting channels such as National Public Radio (NPR) and Public Broadcasting Service (PBS). The Senate vote was 51–48, with all Democrats opposed and only two Republicans – Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski – breaking ranks to vote with the minority.

The bill, officially known as the Rescissions Act of 2025, includes cuts of approximately $1.1 billion for the CPB and roughly $7.9 billion to $8 billion for foreign aid and global health programs. The Senate amendment restored about $400 million to the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) to secure the votes needed.

Supporters of the measure framed it as a step toward fiscal discipline, arguing that every dollar counts and that Congress must reclaim previously committed funds. Senate Majority Leader John Thune described the package as a “small but important move” toward controlling spending. On the other hand, opponents — especially public-broadcasting advocates and humanitarian groups — warned of severe consequences: local rural stations may lose services, and U.S. global leadership and humanitarian efforts could be jeopardised.

Senators Collins and Murkowski specifically voiced concerns. Collins criticized the plan for its lack of clarity about what programs would face cuts, especially regarding education and food security; Murkowski highlighted the value of public broadcasting in rural states for emergency communications (e.g., tsunami warnings in Alaska). Despite their objections, the measure passed, handing a major win to the administration. Whether this will indeed deliver meaningful savings — or instead provoke backlash and operational gaps — remains to be seen.