The Senate of the United States undertook an unprecedented budget operation, voting for a drastic reduction of 9 billion dollars in the sphere of international support and media financing. The political decision was adopted with a narrow majority - 51 against 48 votes, after prolonged night debates.
The key bill, initiated by the presidential administration, aims to radically optimize federal expenditures. Senate Majority Leader John Thune defined the vote as a "small but significant step towards fiscal discipline" that is "long overdue" for the country.
The initial proposal included cuts of about 400 million dollars for international health programs related to HIV/AIDS. Republican senators managed to reach a compromise by introducing an amendment that preserves part of the initial funding.
The final version of the document provides for a drastic reduction of the budget for various international initiatives. Specifically, USAID's global health programs will be affected - the main philanthropic instrument of American foreign policy.
The blow to the Corporation for Public Broadcasting is especially sensitive, with its budget to be cut by over 1 billion dollars. Experts warn that this will have a disproportionately strong impact on radio stations in the country's rural areas.
Senator Lisa Murkowski from Alaska stood out as one of the few Republican voices who opposed the bill. Her criticism was specifically directed at the drastic reduction of funds for public media.
The document is set to pass through the House of Representatives, which previously approved a version with slightly higher cuts - around 9.4 billion dollars. Political analysts define this vote as another step in the economic strategy of the Trump administration.
The final adoption of the bill is expected to provoke serious discussions about the balance between fiscal economy and maintaining international humanitarian programs. Political observers define what is happening as a precedent in the budget policy of the United States.