WASHINGTON — Congressman Tim Walberg of Michigan’s 5th District voted Wednesday in support of the Rescissions Act, a federal rollback package that cuts $9.4 billion in previously authorized funding across several agencies and programs.
The bill, formally titled H.R. 4, codifies recommendations from the Department of Government Efficiency — an entity with limited public visibility — aimed at eliminating what it identifies as “wasteful” spending. The legislation includes $8.3 billion in rescinded foreign aid appropriations and $1.1 billion originally earmarked for public broadcasting services.
That $1.1 billion rescission specifically targets the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, which allocates funds to National Public Radio and the Public Broadcasting Service. Both organizations operate as nonprofit media outlets offering public access programming and educational content.
In a statement following the vote, Walberg said the cuts advance House Republicans’ broader fiscal strategy and reflect ongoing efforts to address the federal government’s debt load, which recently surpassed $36 trillion.
While the legislation passed the House, the final impact on programming and grants remains uncertain. CPB previously reported that federal appropriations make up a core portion of its operating support for hundreds of local stations, especially in rural areas.
If enacted, the Rescissions Act would reduce discretionary spending authority but would not automatically redirect the eliminated funds. A separate appropriations process would determine future use.
The Senate has not yet scheduled a vote on the measure.