The U.S. Senate on Thursday passed a $9 billion package of spending cuts proposed by President Donald Trump, narrowly approving the measure 51-48.
The U.S. Senate on Thursday passed a $9 billion package of spending cuts proposed by President Donald Trump, narrowly approving the measure 51-48. The cuts target foreign aid and public broadcasting, reflecting initiatives from Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). A previous version proposed defunding the PEPFAR AIDS relief program, but that was dropped due to bipartisan opposition. Senator Lindsey Graham said, “You need foreign aid. You need soft power,” but criticized funding for “junk” programs. DOGE claimed $190 billion in savings, though fact-checkers have questioned its figures. The bill includes $8 billion in cuts to USAID and $1 billion from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. Democrats argue the cuts won’t impact the deficit meaningfully. Senator Cory Booker said, “It is yet another example of the spirit and ideals of our Constitution being undermined.” The House must approve the bill by Friday, or the funds must be spent as originally intended.