The U.S. Senate has approved a $9 billion rescissions package backed by former President Donald Trump, advancing the bill to the House ahead of a looming Friday deadline. Passed by a 51–48 vote, the package seeks to cancel previously approved funds, mainly targeting public broadcasting and international aid.

The proposal cuts over $1 billion from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, raising concerns over its impact on rural emergency communication systems. Nearly $8 billion would also be withdrawn from foreign aid programs, including funding for disaster relief, food security, and democratic development initiatives.

A bipartisan agreement spared $400 million in funding for the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) , the U.S. global HIV/AIDS initiative, which was initially included in the cuts.

The bill revealed fractures among Republicans. Senators Susan Collins of Maine and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska opposed the measure, citing lack of transparency and potential risks to rural safety services. Vice President J.D. Vance cast the tie-breaking vote, shifting the result from a 50–50 split.

Democrats criticized the package for weakening America’s global influence and domestic public media. Senator Brian Schatz warned that slashing aid could open the door for rivals to fill the void in key regions.

The rescissions process, allowed under the 1974 Impoundment Control Act, gives Congress 45 days to act on a presidential request to cancel allocated funds. If the House fails to act by midnight Friday, the funds will be released automatically.

The House must now decide whether to approve the Senate’s changes. The outcome could shape future debates over executive authority in federal budgeting and set a precedent for deeper spending rollbacks.