WASHINGTON (AN) — The U.S. Congress has voted to approve President Trump's requested $9 billion rescissions package, slashing more critical foreign aid and federal funding for public broadcasters.
The package headed to the U.S. president's desk for his signature is certain to deliver a significant impact on international organizations and foreign aid programs. The vast majority of the cuts, $7.9 billion, target foreign assistance, while the remaining $1.1 billion was for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, which funds public broadcasters NPR and PBS and some 1,216 public radio stations and 365 public TV stations.
The measure passed the House with only Republican support by a 216-213 vote on early Friday morning, with only two Republicans, Representatives Brian Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania and Michael Turner of Ohio, joining the Democrats' opposition. It passed the Senate by a 51-48 vote on early Thursday, with only two Republicans, Senators Susan Collins of Maine and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, opposed.
Here's how these cuts specifically affect international organizations:
Humanitarian aid and disaster relief
The package includes substantial cuts to programs providing emergency shelter, water, sanitation, and family reunification for refugees ($800 million), as well as food, water, and healthcare for countries hit by natural disasters and conflicts ($496 million). This will directly reduce the resources available to international humanitarian organizations working in these areas, potentially leading to increased suffering and loss of life.
Economic development and democratic institutions
A significant portion, $4.15 billion, is cut from programs aimed at boosting economies and democratic institutions in developing nations. This will limit the capacity of international development organizations and multilateral institutions that focus on long-term development, governance, and stability in fragile states.
Global health programs
While a politically popular program to combat HIV/AIDS (PEPFAR) initially faced a $400 million cut, this was removed from the final package after objections in the Senate. However, other global health programs, including those combating malaria, tuberculosis, maternal and child mortality, and emerging disease threats, still face significant reductions (around $900 million from Global Health Programs accounts). These cuts will weaken health infrastructure, disrupt supply chains, and reduce coordination across borders, impacting the ability of international health organizations to respond to global health challenges.
Multilateral institutions
The rescission package specifically targets funding to organizations such as the World Health Organization and portions of the U.N.'s regular budget for the U.N. Human Rights Council and the U.N. relief agency for Palestinian refugees known as UNRWA. This reduction in U.S. contributions can significantly hamper the operations and effectiveness of these international bodies, which rely on member funding to carry out their mandates.
Loss of U.S. influence and leadership
Democrats and critics of the package argue that these cuts will diminish America's standing and influence in the world, creating a vacuum that rivals like China could fill. This could lead to a shift in global power dynamics and make it harder for the U.S. to garner international cooperation on various issues.
Undermining future bipartisan funding
The passage of this package, largely along party lines, is seen by some as undermining the ability of Congress to reach bipartisan agreements on future funding, as it demonstrates that previously agreed-upon funding can be unilaterally rescinded. This could lead to greater instability and unpredictability in U.S. foreign aid. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, Democrat of New York, has warned Republicans against trying to rescind more federal funding.
