By Yasin Gungor
ISTANBUL (AA) - The US House of Representatives approved a $9.4 billion spending cuts package Thursday requested by the Trump administration, primarily targeting foreign aid and public broadcasting programs.
The measure narrowly passed in a 214-212 vote largely along party lines, with Republicans supporting and Democrats opposing the cuts.
The package includes approximately $8.3 billion rolled back from the US Agency for International Development (USAID) and an over $1 billion cut from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, which provides funding to NPR, PBS and public media stations nationwide.
Republicans describe the targeted funds as wasteful and unnecessary spending, while Democrats strongly criticize the cuts, arguing they would damage America's global standing and eliminate essential services.
If the Senate approves the measure, the $9.4 billion in previously approved congressional spending will return to the US Treasury.
House Speaker Mike Johnson celebrated the vote on X, calling it "a critical step toward a more responsible and transparent government that puts the interests of the American taxpayers first."