WASHINGTON D.C.: In a rare use of presidential rescission powers, Congress has approved President Donald Trump's request to withdraw $9 billion in previously authorized spending, targeting public broadcasting and foreign aid. The move marks the first time in decades that such a request from a president has cleared both chambers.

The House voted 216–213 early Friday to pass the bill, following a 51–48 vote in the Senate the day before. It now heads to Trump's desk for final approval.

The cuts eliminate $1.1 billion in funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) and nearly $8 billion from various foreign aid programs. While some Republicans expressed unease with the decision, most backed the measure, citing alignment with Trump's agenda and fiscal priorities.

"We need to get back to fiscal sanity and this is an important step," said House Speaker Mike Johnson.

Opponents, however, warned of the precedent the move sets. Democrats argued the bill undermines Congress' authority over federal spending and rolls back bipartisan commitments. "No one is buying the notion that Republicans are actually trying to improve wasteful spending," said House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries.

Public Broadcasting Faces Deep Cuts

The CPB, which p