The Senate is preparing to vote this week on a proposal from the White House to cancel $9.4 billion in previously approved federal funding.
The rescissions package, submitted in June, targets international aid programs and funding for public broadcasting, including NPR and PBS.
Congress faces a Friday deadline to act before the proposal expires.
The rescission plan aims to make permanent spending cuts suggested by the Department of Government Efficiency.
Amajor portion—$8.3 billion—would come from U.S. international programs such as peacekeeping, refugee support, and global climate initiatives.
An additional $1.1 billion would be withdrawn from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, which supports NPR and PBS.
The White House claims these broadcasters push a biased narrative under the guise of journalism.
Although the House passed the proposal last month with support from most Republicans, some Senate Republicans have expressed concerns.
Specific objections include proposed cuts to the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), a global program launched under President George W.Bush that many credit with saving millions of lives.
Critics argue that cuts could weaken health efforts targeting diseases like malaria, tuberculosis, and polio, and reduce nutrition programs for mothers and children.
There is also concern about the effect on public radio and TV stations in rural communities, where they are often the only source for emergency information.
Lawmakers from states with large rural or Native American populations are pushing for changes to protect local media funding.
Senate leaders are discussing possible amendments to the bill. However, any changes would require the House to approve a revised version, adding pressure as the deadline nears.
Some lawmakers are urging the Senate to adopt the bill as-is to avoid delays.
President Trump recently pushed for full Republican support of the plan, especially the public broadcasting cuts, and warned that GOP members who do not back it risk losing his endorsement.
Meanwhile, Democrats have voiced strong opposition but lack the numbers to stop the bill. They warn that this move could damage future cooperation on budget matters.
The rescissions bill only needs a simple majority to pass in the Senate, unlike most legislation that requires 60 votes.