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July 19, 2025

Senate saves PEPFAR funding while Congress cuts $9 billion in foreign aid and public broadcasting

Senate and House pass Rescissions Act of 2025, clawing back $9 billion from foreign aid and public broadcasting while sparing $400 million for HIV/AIDS prevention program PEPFAR

The House passed a rescissions bill on June 12, 2025, that sought about $9 billion in cuts to federal programs. The Senate amended that package and passed the amended bill on July 17, 2025. The House agreed to the Senate's changes and finalized the measure on July 18, 2025.

Lawmakers removed a proposed $400 million cut to PEPFAR and restored that funding in the final package. The carve-out kept U.S. HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment programs from facing the cut. Advocates said the move preserved ongoing care and prevention work in partner countries.

The final House agreement passed by a 216–213 vote, showing a narrow margin. In the Senate, an amendment carrying portions of the package passed 51–48. Votes followed party lines in many cases, but a few Republicans broke with leadership to protect global health funding.

A separate, nonbinding resolution calling for release of Jeffrey Epstein-related documents moved through the Rules Committee and drew floor attention during the debate. Rep. Ralph NormanRep. Ralph Norman sponsored the resolution, H.R. 4405, which urged transparency but did not change funding. The procedural fight showed how high-profile issues can shape or delay legislative action.

🏥Public Health🤝Civic Action🏛️Government

Test Your Knowledge

10
Q1

A nonbinding resolution passed by the House creates a legal obligation for federal agencies to act.

Q2

The restored $400 million for PEPFAR ensures continued HIV/AIDS treatment for ____ people.

Q3

On July 17, 2025, the House approved a rescissions bill that included a restoration of $400 million for PEPFAR HIV/AIDS programs.

Q4

How much funding did the House restore for PEPFAR HIV/AIDS programs in the rescissions bill?

Q5

Which of the following best describes PEPFAR?

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People, bills, and sources

What you can do

1

civic action

Call or email your member of Congress to thank them for protecting PEPFAR funding and urge them to oppose future cuts.

The House removed a proposed $400 million cut to PEPFAR when it passed the rescissions package on July 18, 2025. A short, specific message helps staff track constituent priorities and influence future appropriations votes.

2

learning more

Support or volunteer with established global health advocates working on HIV funding and oversight.

Donate, volunteer, or join groups such as amfAR, DATA, or RESULTS to sustain pressure during budget debates. These groups track appropriations and lobby to keep PEPFAR funding intact in future cycles.

3

understanding

Track appropriations and rescissions activity so you can act quickly on votes that affect foreign aid.

Watch the House and Senate appropriations calendars and the Congressional Record for rescissions or State Department funding proposals. Pay attention to the House Appropriations committee and floor votes rather than only foreign affairs committees for funding outcomes.