House Republicans approved a $9 billion spending cut package early Friday, marking a significant victory for President Donald Trump as part of his push for government efficiency. This legislation utilized an obscure presidential budget law that allowed it to bypass the Senate filibuster, making Trump the first president in nearly three decades to successfully implement such a tactic. Following this approval, the package is set to be signed into law by the president.
The cuts primarily target foreign aid and public broadcasting. Approximately $8 billion will come from foreign aid programs managed by the US Agency for International Development (USAID), while $1.1 billion will be withdrawn from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, which funds outlets like NPR and PBS. The House voted 216-213 in favor, with only two Republicans opposing the measure.
Despite some initial conflicts within the party, particularly regarding transparency around the Jeffrey Epstein files, the House Rules Committee finalized the advancement of the spending cuts along with a resolution calling for additional Epstein file disclosures. However, this resolution does not mandate any actions.
House Speaker Mike Johnson expressed his satisfaction with the passage of the cuts, emphasizing the GOP’s commitment to reducing the scale of government. He noted, “We believe in a limited government that’s accountable and efficient for the people, and we’re going to continue to demonstrate that through our actions here on the floor.”
In contrast, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer cast doubt on the potential for bipartisan cooperation moving forward, especially concerning ongoing government funding past the September 30 deadline. He expressed skepticism regarding Senate Republicans’ ability to negotiate in good faith, which could complicate future spending agreements.
While this bill reflects a significant ideological win for conservatives aiming to reduce federal spending, it simultaneously raises concerns about future bipartisan negotiations. As Republicans push forward with their agenda, the impact of these cuts on government functionality will likely be closely monitored by both parties and the public alike.