In a midnight vote early Friday, US Republicans gave their approval to President Donald Trump’s proposal to cancel $9 billion in federal funding, targeting foreign aid and public broadcasting.
The move is seen as the beginning of broader efforts by the Republican-controlled Congress to slash government spending.
Though modest in the face of the $1 trillion in annual savings once promised by Elon Musk—who departed acrimoniously from his role leading federal cost-cutting in May—the cuts were hailed by Republicans as fulfilling Trump’s campaign vow to rein in fiscal excess.
“President Trump and House Republicans promised fiscal responsibility and government efficiency,” said House Speaker Mike Johnson. “Today, we’re once again delivering on that promise.”
The bill passed the Republican-led House in a narrow 216 to 213 vote, just after midnight, following its approval in the Senate. It now heads to the White House for Trump’s signature. The president celebrated the moment with enthusiasm on Truth Social, posting, “REPUBLICANS HAVE TRIED DOING THIS FOR 40 YEARS, AND FAILED… BUT NO MORE. THIS IS BIG!!!”
Most of the rescinded funds were previously approved for programs aiding nations affected by war, disease, and natural disasters. Also, $1.1 billion in funding is designated for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) over the next two years. Conservatives have long criticized public media outlets like NPR and PBS for alleged liberal bias, arguing that taxpayer support is unwarranted.
An initial draft of the bill included $400 million in cuts to a global AIDS program credited with saving over 26 million lives. That particular reduction was reversed after pushback from moderate Republicans.
Despite the celebratory tone among Trump loyalists and fiscal hawks aligned with the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE)—an agency launched under Musk to implement radical budget reforms—Democrats decried the vote as a betrayal of bipartisan consensus and a threat to future governance.
“Instead of protecting the health, safety, and well-being of the American people, House Republicans have once again rubber stamped Donald Trump’s extreme, reckless rescissions legislation,” said House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries in a joint statement with top House Democrats.
They warned that Friday’s vote could jeopardize future bipartisan efforts to fund the government, hinting at a possible government shutdown. Democrats hold only 47 seats in the Senate but wield significant influence, as any budget deal requires at least 60 votes.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer condemned the bill, calling it “a dark day for any American who relies on public broadcasting during floods, hurricanes, tornadoes, and other disasters.”
Meanwhile, White House budget director Russell Vought hinted during a Thursday event hosted by the Christian Science Monitor that the administration is preparing another rescissions package, suggesting that further budget battles lie ahead.
What You Should Know
The approved cuts mark a major policy win for Trump and his allies aiming to significantly reduce government spending. However, the decision has also intensified partisan tensions in Washington and raised the specter of a potential government shutdown later in the year.
