Senate Vote Triggers Major Cuts to Media, Health Aid

In a tight 51 to 48 vote, Senate Republicans approved a package cutting nine billion dollars under a new government efficiency initiative.

The plan wipes out federal support for public broadcasting and carves billions from foreign aid programs focused on disease control and tribal projects.

Only Lisa Murkowski of Alaska and Susan Collins of Maine joined Democrats in opposing the measure.

Roughly eight billion dollars comes from global health and aid budgets covering malaria, polio and tribal community efforts.

The remaining $1.1 billion funds the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, which underwrites NPR and PBS stations.

Opponents warn that slashing CPB's budget could force rural radio and television outlets off the air and disrupt emergency alerts.

Senator Murkowski argued it makes no sense to gut public media without guarantees that disease?fighting work will continue.

Senator Rounds said he'll shift climate dollars to keep tribal stations running without interruption. President Trump has signaled he may withdraw support from Republicans who vote to preserve CPB funding.

The House is expected to weigh in later this week before sending the bill to the president's desk. Although CPB says it has funding secured through September 2027, these cuts mark a major shift in both domestic media policy and foreign assistance priorities. Local communities and global health partners will be watching how they adapt to leaner budgets.