House Expected to Vote on Cuts to Foreign Aid, Public Media Following Passage of Cryptocurrency Bills
July 17, 2025 — The U.S. House of Representatives is set to vote Thursday evening on a significant spending-cut measure that would rescind approximately $9 billion in previously appropriated federal funding, targeting foreign aid and public broadcasting. This move follows the House’s recent passage of several cryptocurrency-related bills.
The Rescissions Package: A Test of Executive Power
The proposed rescissions package stems from a request by President Donald Trump, who seeks to claw back funds allocated in earlier budget bills. The White House has described this effort as a "test case," signaling that if Congress approves the cuts, additional rescissions requests may follow in the future.
Notably, approving the president’s request would mark the first successful presidential rescission of appropriated funds in decades—a practice that allows the executive branch to cancel spending approved by Congress.
Contentious Debate Over Spending and Congressional Authority
Opposition to the measure has been strong, particularly from Democrats, who express concerns about the targeted programs and the precedent the bill sets for executive power over government spending. Critics argue that rescinding funds that were previously approved through bipartisan consensus undermines the constitutional balance by allowing the executive branch to override Congress’s power of the purse on a party-line basis.
The Senate had already passed the rescissions package early Thursday morning with a narrow 51-48 vote. The measure saw no Democratic support and included two Republican dissenters.
Implications for Public Broadcasting and Foreign Aid
Among the programs facing cuts are public broadcasting services, including entities like PBS, and foreign aid initiatives. Critics warn that reducing funding for public media could impact the availability of independent and trusted journalism—which millions of Americans rely on for accurate information.
Native American radio stations and other community broadcasters may also be at risk due to the proposed $1 billion cut to public broadcasting funding.
Legislative Context: Cryptocurrency Bills Passed
The vote on spending cuts comes on the heels of the House passing multiple cryptocurrency-related bills intended to regulate the rapidly evolving digital currency landscape. These legislative efforts reflect Congress’s attempt to keep pace with technological innovation while balancing fiscal responsibility.
Looking Ahead
As the House proceeds with the vote, observers across the political spectrum will closely monitor the results for their broader implications. Approval of the rescissions package could embolden future requests by the executive branch to alter Congress-approved spending, potentially reshaping the dynamics of federal budgetary control.
For ongoing coverage, including live debate and analysis of the House vote, view the live stream and follow updates on PBS NewsHour’s platform.
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