The U.S. Senate approved a $9 billion federal spending rescission package in a 51-48 vote early Thursday, delivering a significant victory for President Donald Trump’s push to downsize government. The measure includes major cuts to foreign aid and eliminates subsidies for National Public Radio and PBS.
Senators Lisa Murkowski of Alaska and Susan Collins of Maine, both Republicans, joined Democrats in voting against the rescissions package.
The measure now returns to the House, which had earlier passed a slightly larger $9.4 billion version. The Senate trimmed the package by reinstating $400 million in AIDS funding for Africa to secure enough support for passage, Just the News reported.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune hailed the vote as a crucial first step toward fostering a new culture of fiscal responsibility in Congress, following years of roughly $2 trillion annual budget deficits.
