The U.S. Senate has approved a package of spending cuts proposed by President Donald Trump, canceling over $9 billion in funding previously allocated for foreign aid programs and public broadcasting.
The measure, seen as the first major test of legislative support for cost-saving efforts spearheaded by Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) following his controversial departure from government, passed with a narrow 51-48 vote in the Republican-controlled Senate after a late-night session that ran more than two hours past midnight.
While the cuts faced resistance from members of both parties, particularly over reductions to health initiatives, the Senate version of the bill ultimately excluded a House-backed proposal to slash $400 million from health programs, including the widely respected PEPFAR global AIDS relief fund. The fund, established by former President George W. Bush, has reportedly saved around 26 million lives. Opposition from moderate Republican senators ensured that the PEPFAR cuts were removed.
“This bill is in line with President Trump’s commitment to reduce government spending,” Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina told newsmen.
The legislation, a rare example of a “rescissions package” aimed at retracting funds already approved by Congress, now returns to the House for final approval. Lawmakers face a tight deadline if Congress does not approve the cuts by Friday, the White House will be legally required to spend the funds as originally budgeted.
