US Congress passes bill taking back $9B in money already allocated, sends measure to Trump
ISTANBUL
Congress passed a $9 billion bill “clawing back” money already allocated just after midnight on Friday, sending it to US President Donald Trump’s desk for approval, according to local media.
Fox News reported that the measure, known as a “rescissions package,” passed the House in a narrow 216-213 vote, with only two Republicans – Reps. Brian Fitzpatrick and Mike Turner – breaking ranks.
The bill will cut $8 billion from the US Agency for International Development (USAID) and $1 billion from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting – including money for the popular PBS television and NPR radio – funds originally allocated for fiscal year 2025.
Republicans framed it as a move to rein in what he called “woke” spending, while Democrats warned of damage to foreign aid and public media.
“This bill tonight is part of continuing that trend of getting spending under control. Does it answer all the problems? No. $9 billion, I would say is a good start,” said House Majority Leader Steve Scalise.
Trump praised the vote on social media: “House approves nine billion dollar cuts package, including atrocious NPR and public broadcasting, where billions of dollars a year were wasted. republicans have tried doing this for 40 years, and failed….but no more. this is big!!!”
Debate grew tense as Democrats tied the vote to the case of sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, files on which the Trump administration has refused to release after long building expectations that major revelations were forthcoming.
“If every Republican votes to block our attempt to release the records, they are telling Epstein’s victims, you don’t matter,” said Rep. Jim McGovern.
House Speaker Mike Johnson said Republicans were “trying to stick to their job” and stop “politicization.”
An earlier version of the package totaling $9.4 billion was trimmed in the Senate following concerns over cuts to global HIV/AIDS prevention programs.
Trump is expected to sign the bill Friday, marking a rare rollback of previously approved federal funds.
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