House Passes $9.4  Billion Rescission Package, Targets Foreign Aid and Public Broadcasting

In a closely divided 214–212 vote, the U.S. House of Representatives approved a $9.4 billion rescission package aimed at reclaiming earlier allocated funds for foreign aid and public broadcasting programs  . The White House initiated this measure. It strives to solidify budget reductions already put forth by the Department of Government Efficiency—also known as DOGE cuts. These cuts were prompted in part by pressure from Elon Musk.

🎯 Key Budget Cuts

• $8.3 billion in rescinded funding for USAID and other overseas aid, including the PEPFAR global HIV/AIDS program.
• $1.1 billion cut from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, affecting NPR and PBS.

The bill now moves to the Senate. It can pass with a simple majority under the Impoundment Control Act. This is an expedited process revived by this administration. Its purpose is to override funding earlier approved by Congress.

🇺🇸 Political Landscape

House Speaker Mike Johnson led the charge. He framed the vote as fulfilling a promise to taxpayers. He called it a vital step toward “fiscal accountability” in government. Meanwhile, President Trump called the move a “no-brainer.” He publicly urged all Republicans to support the measure. He cited concerns over perceived “wasteful” spending and media bias.

⚖️ Opposition & Concerns

Democrats strongly resisted the cuts, condemning them as an attack on children’s programming and global health initiatives  . House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries dramatically wielded an Elmo doll on the floor. He denounced the package as a symbolic strike at Sesame Street, Big Bird, and other beloved characters.

Even some Republicans expressed concerns. Representatives like Mark Amodei and Don Bacon privately raised alarms. They were concerned about potential impacts on rural access to public broadcasting and vital health programs. Nonetheless, Bacon ultimately switched his vote in favor  . In the Senate, moderate Republicans expressed concerns. Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski were worried that rescissions to PEPFAR hamper essential services. They also flagged concerns about public broadcasting.

🚨 What’s Next?

The rescission package heads to the Senate, expected to be reviewed alongside broader budget discussions. Senate Majority Leader Thune has suggested the vote be postponed until July. With Democrats united in opposition and a few GOP moderates casting doubt, its passage is far from guaranteed.

Fiscal hawks in Congress expect this is merely the opening salvo. Further DOGE-style rescission’s are on the horizon.

📌 Bottom Line

• House approved 214–212 to reclaim $9.4 billion in funding.
• Cuts focus on USAID foreign aid and public broadcasting.
• Bill next moves to Senate under expedited process, needing only a simple majority.
• Bipartisan concerns persist, especially around global health and rural media.