July 18, 2025: President Trump announced on Truth Social that the U.S. House of Representatives has passed a historic $9 billion rescissions package with a 216-213 vote, targeting $1.1 billion in cuts to the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB), affecting National Public Radio (NPR), Public Broadcasting Service (PBS), and over 1,500 local public media stations, especially in rural and tribal areas.
The package also slashes $8 billion from foreign aid programs, including USAID’s global health initiatives. Approved by the Senate with a 51-48 vote, the bill, requested by the Trump administration, now awaits the President’s signature.
This marks a significant victory for Republicans after decades of failed attempts to defund public broadcasting.
However, some Republicans and Democrats have criticized the cuts for their impact on local stations, emergency alerts, and Congress’s spending authority.
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.