House Democrats Oppose Funding Cuts
Over 200 House Democrats voted against significant funding cuts for PBS, NPR, and foreign aid on Thursday afternoon.
The House narrowly approved a $9.4 billion reduction aimed at improving government efficiency in public broadcasting and foreign aid, with the vote tally at 214 to 212. This Recissions Package marks the initial phase of House-approved Doge Cuts, as several Congressional Republicans are looking to reclaim approximately $175 billion identified for cuts.
In the lead-up to the vote, Trump urged GOP lawmakers to support the package. With a simple majority needed for passage, Republicans managed to bypass Democratic opposition.
“The retirement bill is challenging. All Republicans must back it,” Trump stated on social media.
Nevertheless, four Republican representatives, including Mark Amody from Nevada, opposed the first iteration of Doge Cuts, raising concerns about reductions to public broadcasting funding. Brian Fitzpatrick from Pennsylvania, Nicole Malliotakis from New York, and Mike Turner from Ohio also voted against the package.
The retirement package proposes an $8.3 billion cut to the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and returns $1.1 billion to public broadcasting, which helps fund NPR and CBS. House Republican leadership reported that this spending reduction law was developed in close collaboration with the White House, paving the way for the Doge Cuts to be established as permanent law.
“This is a crucial step toward restoring fiscal responsibility and tackling fraud, waste, and abuse,” said Mike Johnson at a press conference organized by House GOP Leadership.
Steve Scalise, the House majority leader, sponsored the legislation that formalized the $9.4 billion Doge Cuts, emphasizing it aligns with House Republicans’ commitment to addressing the nation’s financial issues.
“These aren’t funds we have readily available, regardless of opinions,” Scalise remarked on the House floor. “It’s all borrowed money,” highlighting the nation’s $37 trillion debt.
Democratic leaders in the House have criticized the spending cuts as “reckless,” contending that the retirement package disproportionately impacts public broadcasting.
“This Republican bill is harsh and diminishes programming for children nationwide,” remarked Hakeem Jeffries during the House debate, holding an Elmo doll to illustrate his point.
