Durbin Denounces Trump's Rescissions Package, Argues Against Devastating Cuts to Foreign Aid and Public Broadcasting

Democratic Senator Richard J. Durbin sharply criticized President Trump's rescissions package on the Senate floor, emphasizing the devastating impact of the legislation's cuts to foreign aid and public broadcasting. The bill would claw back $9 billion in previously appropriated funding, targeting foreign aid and public broadcasting programs that have broad bipartisan support and provide critical assistance to vulnerable populations worldwide. In his remarks, Durbin highlighted the importance of these programs in promoting the U.S.' global leadership and providing lifesaving assistance to those in need.

Key Takeaways:

• The rescissions package would claw back $9 billion in previously appropriated funding, targeting foreign aid and public broadcasting programs.
• The cuts to foreign aid would gut the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), which has enjoyed broad bipartisan support and has provided critical assistance to vulnerable populations worldwide.
• The proposal would also retract $700 million from over 1,500 public radio and TV stations across the country, which rely on the funding for news, educational programming, and emergency alert services.
• Durbin emphasized that these programs are essential for the U.S.' global leadership and provide a six-to-one return in dollars saved in health, economic, and educational terms.
• The clean water and sanitation programs have provided over 70 million people with first-time sustainable access to clean water in the last decade.
• Durbin recalled a visit to Port-au-Prince, Haiti, where he met a clinic administrator who spoke about the incredible impact of the Paul Simon Water for the World Act and the U.S.' global efforts to provide clean water access worldwide.
• The administrator estimated that the program saved hundreds of lives with a small investment of $20,000.
• Durbin argued that the rescissions package would have devastating consequences for the U.S.' reputation and leadership on the global stage if passed.

Statistics:

• $9 billion: The amount clawed back in previously appropriated funding by the rescissions package.
• 1,500: The number of public radio and TV stations across the country that would be affected by the $700 million in cuts.
• 70 million: The number of people provided with first-time sustainable access to clean water in the last decade through the clean water and sanitation programs.
• 1%: The percentage of the federal budget allocated to U.S. foreign aid.

Sources:

• Durbin Remarks on Senate Floor (no date mentioned).
• U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) news release.