What's in the Republican bill cutting $9 billion from public broadcasting and foreign aid
Share this @internewscast.com


WASHINGTON (AP) The Republican-led Congress has passed President Donald Trump’s request to claw back about $9 billion in public broadcasting and foreign aid spending.

Trump’s Republican administration is employing a rarely used tool that allows the president to transmit a request to cancel previously approved funding authority. Democrats tried to kill the measure but needed more Republicans uncomfortable with the president’s effort to join them.

The Senate approved the vast majority of Trump’s request in the early morning hours Thursday, 51-48. The House followed suit early Friday, 216-213. The measure now goes to the president to be signed into law.

Here’s a closer look at what’s in the bill:

Public media on the chopping block

Trump asked lawmakers to rescind nearly $1.1 billion from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, which represents the full amount it’s due to receive during the next two budget years.

The White House says the public media system is politically biased and an unnecessary expense.

The corporation distributes more than 70% of the money to more than 1,500 locally operated public television and radio stations, with much of the remainder assigned to National Public Radio and the Public Broadcasting Service to support national programming.

Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, said public broadcasting has been taken over by “partisan activists.”

Still, the potential fallout from the cuts for local public media stations generated concerns on both sides of the political aisle.

Sen. Mike Rounds, R-S.D., said he secured a deal from the White House that some funding administered by the Interior Department would be repurposed to subsidize Native American public radio stations in about a dozen states.

But many lawmakers say that won’t help a large number of local broadcasting stations. Sen. Tammy Baldwin, D-Wis., unsuccessfully sought to take out the public broadcasting cuts.

“If we don’t adopt this amendment, local television and radio stations will shut down and it will be rural stations that will be the first to close,” Baldwin said.

To justify the spending cuts, the Trump administration and Republican lawmakers cited certain activities they disagree with to portray a wide range of a program’s funding as wasteful.

In recent testimony, Office of Management and Budget Director Russ Vought criticized programming aimed at fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion. He said NPR aired a 2022 program entitled “What ‘Queer Ducks’ can teach teenagers about sexuality in the animal kingdom.” He also cited a special town hall that CNN held in 2020 with “Sesame Street” about combating racism.

Targeting humanitarian aid

As part of the package, Trump asked lawmakers to rescind almost $8.3 billion in foreign aid programs that aim to fight famine and disease and promote global stability.

A Senate amendment knocked the foreign aid cuts down to about $7.9 billion when Republicans agreed to remove what would have been a $400 million cut to PEPFAR, the politically popular program that began under President George W. Bush to combat HIV/AIDS. The program is credited with saving millions of lives.

Among the rescissions in the bill:

— $500 million of the $4 billion appropriated for global health programs funding activities to combat infectious diseases and promote maternal health.

— $800 million for a program that provides emergency shelter, water and sanitation and family reunification for those forced to flee their own country.

— $4.15 billion for two programs designed to boost the economies and democratic institutions in developing and strategically important countries.

— $496 million to provide humanitarian assistance such as food, water and health care for countries hit by natural disasters and conflicts.

—$361 million for international peacekeeping efforts, which are designed to stabilize conflict zones and protect civilians.

The Trump administration also said some cuts, such as eliminating funding for UNICEF, would encourage international organizations to be more efficient and seek contributions from other nations, “putting American taxpayers first.”

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Kilmar Abrego Garcia Deemed Ineligible for Asylum by Trump Administration

The Trump administration is contesting Kilmar Abrego Garcia’s attempt to request asylum…

Watch Live at 10 a.m.: Trooper Steve on Patrol Previews “Orlando Rocks Country!” Concert in Support of Texas Flood Relief

ORLANDO, Fla. – Central Florida is set to come alive with country…

Senator Alleges Extraterrestrial Connection to Radioactive Shrimp

IE 11 is not supported. For the best experience, please access our…

EIU Football Prepares for Indiana State Game, Keeps Close Eye on QB Hits

CHARLESTON, Ill. (WCIA) – Eastern Illinois football is seeking its first 2-0…

Cowboys’ Loss on Thursday: It Wasn’t the Micah Parsons Trade, But Ineffective Offense

Following a surprising trade right before the start of the NFL season,…

Centennial Aims to Extend Winning Streak in Rivalry Matchup

The atmosphere at Tommy Steward Field is set to be electric on…

The Trump administration cancels the Biden-era initiative requiring airlines to compensate passengers for flight delays.

The Trump administration announced on Thursday that it would abandon a plan…

Selena Gomez’s New Wax Figure at Madame Tussauds Orlando Dazzles in Her Iconic Red VMA Dress

ORLANDO, Fla. – A Selena Gomez wax figure just landed at Madame…

Increase in Anti-Immigrant Sentiment Towards Sikh Truckers Following Fatal Crash in Florida

Members of California’s Sikh trucking community report that a tragic accident involving…

Trump Claims Unawareness of Unsuccessful Navy SEAL Mission in North Korea During First Term

On Friday, President Trump refuted awareness of a 2018 Navy SEAL mission…

Man Allegedly Tosses Glass Bottles in Palm Coast Liquor Store, Spits at Deputies

FLAGLER COUNTY, Fla. – A man from New York is facing charges…

Trump Issues Executive Order to Ban Countries for Unlawful Detention of Americans

IE 11 is not supported. For an optimal experience visit our site…