House Passes $9 Billion Spending Cuts Package, Including Funding for NPR, PBS, and USAID, in Narrow 216-213 Vote

WASHINGTON – The U.S. House of Representatives today passed a sweeping $9 billion recession package, officially known as the Rescissions Act of 2025 (H.R. 4), in a tightly contested vote of 216-213. The legislation includes significant reductions in federal funding, notably targeting the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB), which supports National Public Radio (NPR) and the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS), as well as various programs under the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).

The passage of the bill follows an earlier approval by the Senate and marks a key legislative victory for proponents of fiscal austerity. The cuts are associated with the "Department of Government Efficiency," an initiative reportedly spearheaded by Elon Musk, which aims to identify and eliminate what it deems as wasteful federal spending. The term "DOGE cuts" used in the initial tweet refers to this efficiency drive.

Approximately $1.1 billion of the package targets public broadcasting, directly impacting NPR and PBS. The remaining $8.3 billion is directed at foreign aid programs administered by USAID, encompassing a wide range of initiatives from international disaster assistance to development aid. Supporters argue these cuts are essential to reduce the national debt and ensure taxpayer dollars are used more efficiently, citing programs like "vegan diets in Africa" and "children's programming in Iraq" as examples of non-essential spending.

The legislation faced strong opposition from Democrats, who universally voted against the measure, and some moderate Republicans who expressed concerns about its implications. Critics contend that the cuts could severely harm vital public services and international humanitarian efforts, arguing that such rescissions undermine previously appropriated funds. The narrow vote reflects the deep partisan divide over federal spending priorities and the role of government programs.

The bill's passage comes amidst ongoing debates about the national budget and the scope of federal spending. While the $9 billion figure represents a fraction of the overall federal budget, its symbolic importance is significant for those advocating for greater fiscal discipline. The future impact of these cuts on the affected organizations and programs will be closely watched as the legislation moves forward.