Overview

• The Senate passed the measure 51–48 on July 17 and the House followed with a 216–213 vote on July 18, with only Republican support and four GOP defections
• The legislation cancels $1.1 billion for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting and roughly $8 billion for USAID and other foreign aid programs
• It is the first time in decades that Congress has enacted a presidential rescissions request under its impoundment authority
• Opponents warn the cuts will strip vital emergency-alert capabilities from rural public media and jeopardize bipartisan global health initiatives like PEPFAR
• House Speaker Mike Johnson hailed the vote as a win for fiscal responsibility while Democrats say it undermines bipartisan budget agreements