White House urges Congress to solidify DOGE reductions for USAID and public broadcasting services.

On Tuesday, the White House presented congressional leaders with a proposal to rescind $9.4 billion in previously approved spending, primarily targeting foreign aid. This rescissions package aims to reduce funding for various agencies, including the U.S. Agency for International Development, and encompasses proposed cuts from the Department of Government Efficiency, led by Elon Musk until his recent departure.

The proposed cuts require only a simple majority for approval in both the House and Senate, allowing Republicans the potential to move forward without Democratic support. Among the cuts, approximately $8.3 billion is allocated for foreign aid, affecting programs that support LGBTQ communities, education, transportation, reproductive health, and the World Health Organization.

Additionally, UNICEF would face a reduction of about $142 million, while nearly $9 million would be cut from the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief. The Corporation for Public Broadcasting would also see a $1.1 billion decrease in funding.

Despite the significant amount, the $9.4 billion is minor compared to the overall U.S. government spending of $6.8 trillion annually. Congressional Republicans are simultaneously navigating a large domestic policy bill projected to increase the national debt by over $2 trillion.

However, proponents of the rescissions package believe it represents an important step toward reducing authorized expenditures, a task that is seldom achieved. Senate Majority Leader John Thune and House Speaker Mike Johnson have pledged swift action on the proposal, with Congress required to pass the package within 45 days of its submission.

Johnson emphasized that the rescissions package aligns with the findings of the Department of Government Efficiency and is part of a broader effort by Republicans to promote fiscal responsibility. Historically, rescission packages face challenges as Congress typically prefers to maintain control over budgetary allocations.

Senate Appropriations Committee Chair Susan Collins noted ongoing discussions about procedural complexities involved in the process. Meanwhile, the House Freedom Caucus, a coalition of conservative members, is advocating for expedited consideration of the package, expressing their commitment to support additional rescission proposals from the White House.