The House just gave the green light to slash $9.4 billion from previously approved government spending in a tight 214-212 vote, sparking outrage and praise depending on which side of the aisle you’re on.
Backed by Trump and efforts originally led by Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (aka DOGE), the cuts hit some major areas—foreign aid, global health programs, and public broadcasting like NPR and PBS.
The goal? Republicans say it’s about stopping wasteful spending and putting Americans first. But Democrats warn that these cuts will cost lives, especially in the poorest parts of the world, and could damage America’s global standing.
Among the deepest cuts: nearly a billion dollars in global health funding, including programs that fight HIV and provide clean water and maternal care. Another $800 million gets pulled from aid that helps refugees and disaster victims. Roughly half the cuts target efforts to build economies and democracies abroad.
The bill pulls $1.1 billion from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. That means local stations—especially in rural areas—could shut down. These outlets provide everything from emergency alerts to educational programming and even local sports coverage.
Meanwhile, critics say slashing this support could cause chaos. Aid groups are already struggling, and without these funds, millions could lose access to essentials like food, water, education, and healthcare.
The Senate won’t take it up until July, but if Republicans hold together, they could push it through without any Democratic help. And this could just be the start—more cuts are likely coming if this one makes it through.
