The U.S. Congress approved budget cuts on Friday amounting to approximately $9 billion, a decision supported by the White House and the Government Efficiency Committee, particularly affecting international aid.
The measure received approval from 216 members, while 213 opposed it, including two Republican representatives. It awaits President Donald Trump’s endorsement before the deadline on Friday evening.
The Government Efficiency Committee, chaired by Elon Musk, outlined these cuts, which include around $8 billion originally allocated to the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). The remaining funds were primarily designated for the National Public Radio (NPR) and the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS).
Following this approval, the Trump administration requested Congress to remove these funds, or they would have to be spent.
Before the vote, Republican Representative Tom Emmer remarked, “This is what the American people voted for.”
The cuts primarily affected the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), initiated during George W. Bush’s presidency, reducing its allocation by $400 million. However, moderate Republican senators managed to remove this component from the measure.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune downplayed the significance of these cuts, emphasizing that they represent a minimal portion of federal spending.
He stated, “When the debt is $36 trillion, action is necessary.”
In June, President Trump welcomed the restoration of $9 billion that he deemed as “wasted international aid funds.”
He criticized public broadcasting entities, arguing that they are excessively biased against Republicans, potentially jeopardizing $1.1 billion intended for them.
According to the U.S. Constitution, only Congress has the authority to allocate federal public funds.