Senate Moves Toward Approval of Trump's Controversial Budget Cuts

The U.S. Senate is moving forward with President Donald Trump's proposal for budget cuts, aimed at foreign aid and public broadcasting. This initiative presents a significant victory for Trump, as he continues to assert influence over Congress, despite some internal Republican dissent.

The proposal includes a $9 billion spending cut, down from an earlier suggested $9.4 billion, notably excluding reductions to PEPFAR—a crucial global HIV/AIDS initiative. The Senate must approve the package by Friday to prevent its expiration, obligating adherence to previously approved spending plans.

As the debate continues, Republican Senators like Lisa Murkowski stress the importance of Congress's role in spending decisions, while Senate Majority Leader John Thune praises the initiative as a stride towards fiscal responsibility. The package's impact seems minor compared to the federal budget, yet has stirred considerable political debate.

(With inputs from agencies.)