Alabama Lawmakers Support $9.4 Billion Foreign Aid and Public Media Funding Cuts
WASHINGTON — In a closely contested vote last week, Alabama’s lawmakers aligned with their party lines in the U.S. House, approving a controversial package to rescind $9.4 billion in funding for foreign aid and public media. The bill, incorporating cuts proposed by the White House, passed narrowly with a vote of 214-212, following last-minute shifts from two Republicans. Democrats unanimously opposed the measure, which now moves to the Senate for consideration.
U.S. Rep. Barry Moore, R-Enterprise, championed the bill, arguing it reflects constituents’ desires to cut federal spending and tackle the national deficit. “It’s much needed. I’m glad we finally got the first package and I’m sure there will be more down the road,” Moore commented to Alabama Daily News. The proposed rescissions include $8.3 billion in foreign aid that yields support for international health programs and an additional $1.1 billion aimed at the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, which funds PBS and NPR stations.
Rep. Robert Aderholt, R-Haleyville, voiced concerns about the potential impact on Alabama Public Television, advocating for a separate funding solution to shield it from cuts. Meanwhile, Democrat Terri Sewell condemned the funding reductions as detrimental to American quality of life. “The latest bill defunds PBS and NPR, threatening educational programming and undermining our national security,” Sewell stated.
Rep. Dale Strong, R-Huntsville, defended the cuts as essential to address the country’s $36 trillion debt, claiming it was critical to eliminate "wasteful spending." However, skepticism remains among some Senate Republicans regarding the efficacy of these cuts. Congress faces a 45-day deadline to act on the bill following its submission on June 3.
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