White House receives bill to reverse billions in foreign aid and public media funding from the House

In a closely contested vote, the Senate has passed the Rescissions Act of 2025 (H.R. 4) with a margin of 51-48. The Act aims to claw back a total of $9 billion in funding previously approved for foreign assistance programmes and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.

The Senate's version of the Act includes funding for the U.S. President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), contrary to the House version which proposed a $400 million cut to this vital programme. This change was made following the Senate's amendments to the Act.

The Rescissions Act of 2025 has been a contentious issue, with Congressional Democrats arguing that it validates the Trump administration's efforts to freeze congressionally-approved spending that it disagrees with. House Appropriations Committee ranking member Rosa DeLauro stated that the Trump administration has been "stealing funds appropriated by Congress."

The Act, also known as the Big Ugly Bill by critics, has been a point of contention due to its extension of tax cuts and boosted funding for immigration enforcement, among other domestic priorities for the president. The Big Ugly Bill, which Trump enacted earlier this month, has been a subject of criticism from Democrats who argue that it benefits billionaires and the biggest corporations at the expense of essential public services.

The Senate's amendments to the Rescissions Act of 2025 have been particularly targeted towards foreign assistance programmes, with the Department of Government Efficiency playing a significant role. The Act now moves to the White House for the president's signature.

The Office of Management and Budget Director Russell Vought has stated that the White House will likely send additional recession requests, indicating a continued focus on fiscal austerity measures.

Moderate Republicans Brian Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania and Mike Turner of Ohio joined Democrats in opposition to the Rescissions Act of 2025. The House passed the Act in a 216-213 vote before it was sent to the Senate for consideration.

Notably, Trump issued an executive order in May to cease funding to NPR and PBS, a move that was not included in the Rescissions Act of 2025 as passed by the Senate. The specific individual sponsors or key figures involved in the passage of the Act are not publicly detailed.

White House receives bill to reverse billions in foreign aid and public media funding from the House