The Senate has approved President Donald Trump's $9 billion spending cuts package, sending it to the House for final approval. This package, part of the Department of Government Efficiency's (DOGE) efforts, aims to reduce funding for foreign aid and public broadcasting. The House must pass the bill by Friday (July 18) to meet the budget rules deadline, allowing Republicans to move the package without Democratic votes.

The Senate passed the bill after a lengthy voting session, with a final tally of 51-48. Senators Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski opposed the measure, citing concerns over the lack of specifics on the cuts' implementation. The package includes $8 billion in cuts to foreign aid programs and $1.1 billion from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, which funds NPR and PBS.

The Senate made changes to the bill, requiring the House to approve the revised version. Senate Republicans removed a controversial $400 million cut to the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and ensured funding for rural radio stations in South Dakota.

Despite the changes, some GOP senators, including Mitch McConnell, expressed concerns about the administration's lack of detailed information on the cuts. The package has faced criticism for potentially undermining congressional authority and setting a precedent for future rescissions.

If the House approves the bill, it will be the second time this month that the Senate has forced the House to accept changes to a Trump priority. The House initially passed the package in June, but the Senate's amendments require a new vote.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune emphasized the significance of the package, stating it marks the first rescission bill to clear the Senate in over two decades. The Trump administration first introduced the bill in April, and the House deadline marks the end of a 45-day window for Congress to pass it.

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