General Discussion

On July 17, 2025, the U.S. Senate approved a $9 billion budget reduction package that cuts spending on international assistance programs as well as eliminates federal support for public radio and television across the country.

The cuts stemmed from the Trump administration's plan to reclaim previously allocated funds, despite bipartisan spending agreements and opposition from some senators.

The package eliminates $1.1 billion in funding to the Corporation for Public Broadcasting and $7.9 billion in other foreign aid programs, affecting health and food assistance abroad.

The Senate approved the cuts with a 51-48 vote after an extensive series of amendments; GOP leaders described the measure as a necessary move to address budget discipline, while opponents cautioned it would negatively impact public media and diminish Congressional control over spending.

The legislation now moves to the House for approval by Friday, with Democrats warning the partisan cuts may complicate future bipartisan funding negotiations and prompt local station closures.

https://ground.news/article/senate-approves-trumps-bill-to-cut-spending-sending-it-to-the-house

The measure now goes back to the House, where it will need to be passed again before Trump can sign it into law. Senators amend[ed] the measure, which the House passed 214-212 last month, to remove $400 million in cuts to PEPFAR, the foreign aid program to combat HIV/AIDS.

Trump wanted to kill it and force people to watch his fake news- effectively, this has