The Senate approved legislation to rescind $9 billion in federal funding for NPR, PBS, and foreign aid programs. This marks the first rescission package in over 30 years. Democrats expressed concerns about its potential harm to public broadcasting and national reputation. The total amount was reduced from $9.4 billion by removing a $400 million cut to a successful global public health program. President Trump remains frustrated with Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, considering firing him for not lowering interest rates, although it requires a legitimate cause.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune highlighted the significance of passing the rescission package, noting it had been over 30 years since such a decision was made. This legislative move rescinds $9 billion in federal funding, aimed at reducing government spending. The House is set to vote on this package, which, if successful, will be perceived as a key victory for President Trump and the initiatives aimed at slashing overall expenditures.
Democrats criticized the bill, calling it a dark day that would adversely affect Americans reliant on public broadcasting while damaging the United States' reputation globally. Concerns were raised about the impact on public services, with Alaska's Lisa Murkowski providing an example of the risks involved through citing an emergency alert from a public radio station.
Trump expressed ongoing frustration with Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, stating that he hasn't ruled out the possibility of firing him by the end of his term. Trump's grievances stem from Powell's reluctance to lower interest rates, which the president believes are detrimental to economic health. NPR's Deepa Shivaram noted potential legal challenges regarding such a firing, emphasizing it would require legitimate cause.
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