Senate Amends Bill to Rescind Billions: A Closer Look
The Senate is currently engaged in a crucial debate over a bill aimed at rescinding $9 billion in previously approved funding for foreign assistance programs and public media. This legislative move, known as the Rescissions Act of 2025 (H.R. 4), has sparked intense discussions and strategic maneuvering within both the House and Senate.
Under congressional rules, the Senate requires only a simple majority to approve the Rescissions Act, bypassing the usual 60-vote threshold. However, these rules also allow for unlimited amendments, leading to a series of consecutive votes. This process mirrors the one used for the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (H.R. 1).
Republicans face a Friday deadline to pass the rescissions measure due to budget constraints. With senators planning to adopt agreed-upon changes to the bill, the House will be required to vote on it again. The House previously passed the legislation with a narrow 214-212 vote, highlighting the partisan divide surrounding the issue.
Key Amendments Proposed by Senator John Thune
Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., has introduced a substitute amendment that proposes several significant modifications to the measure. These include:
- Removing a $400 million cut to the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), a program credited with saving 25 million lives and preventing millions of HIV infections.
- Protecting programs focused on preventing and treating HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria, as well as supporting nutrition and maternal and child health.
- Safeguarding funding for Jordan, Egypt, and a fund designed to counter Chinese influence internationally.
- Exempting programs like Food for Peace and McGovern-Dole International Food for Education from rescission.
The outcome of this legislative battle will have significant implications for various international aid programs and public media initiatives. Further developments are expected as the Senate continues its debate and the House prepares for a potential revote.