H.R. 4 · Where this bill is now
Became law
Public Law 119-28, Jul 24, 2025
What this bill does
In plain words · AI-written from the official summaryCuts funding for international aid and broadcasting
This bill cancels unspent money that Congress had given to the State Department, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. The President proposed these cuts under a law that lets presidents ask Congress to take back previously approved funding, and those cuts only happen if Congress votes to approve them. The bill specifically targets funds for international aid programs, development assistance, disaster relief, and public broadcasting operations.
How it affects you
If this becomes law, it affects federal employees at these agencies who may see budget reductions, and it may reduce U.S. international aid and development programs around the world. Public broadcasting stations that receive funding from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting could also see cuts to their budgets. Most everyday Americans won't notice a direct change in their daily lives, though some people who rely on or support these programs may be affected.
Read the official summary (Public Law, Jul 24, 2025)
Rescissions Act of 2025
This act rescinds specified unobligated funds that were provided to the Department of State, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), various independent and related agencies, and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.
The rescissions were proposed by the President under procedures included in the Congressional Budget and Impoundment Control Act of 1974. Under current law, the President may propose rescissions to Congress using specified procedures, and the rescissions must be enacted into law to take effect.
Specifically, the act rescinds funds that were provided to the State Department or the President for
• Contributions to International Organizations;
• Contributions for International Peacekeeping Activities;
• Global Health Programs (excluding funds for programs addressing HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria, nutrition, or maternal and child health);
• Migration and Refugee Assistance;
• the Complex Crises Fund;
• the Democracy Fund;
• the Economic Support Fund (excluding funds for assistance to Jordan, Egypt, or the Countering PRC Influence Fund);
• Contributions to the Clean Technology Fund;
• International Organization and Programs;
• Development Assistance (excluding funds for Feed the Future Innovation Labs, the Countering PRC Influence Fund, or commodity-based food aid);
• Assistance for Europe, Eurasia, and Central Asia;
• International Disaster Assistance (excluding funds for commodity-based food aid); and
• Transition Initiatives.
The act also rescinds funds that were provided for
• USAID Operating Expenses,
• the Inter-American Foundation,
• the U.S. African Development Foundation,
• the U.S. Institute of Peace, and
• the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.
Written by AI (Claude) using only the official summary by the Congressional Research Service, the Library of Congress’s nonpartisan research staff. It can miss nuance, so check the official summary and the bill text for details.
1st SessionH. R. 4
AN ACT
Rescissions Act of 2025
Sponsor: Rep. Steve Scalise (R-LA-1) · Introduced Jun 6, 2025 · Economics and Public Finance · 6 versions of the text
Sources: Congress.gov actions and votes · bill text from GovInfo · latest official action Jul 24, 2025: “Became Public Law No: 119-28.”
How Congress voted
Official roll callsSenate · On Passage of the Bill · Jul 17, 2025
Passage of the Bill Bill Passed 51–48
| Party | Yes | No | Didn’t vote |
|---|---|---|---|
| Democrats | 0 | 44 | 1 |
| Independents | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| Republicans | 51 | 2 | 0 |
2 members voted against most of their party: 2 Republicans voted No.
Source: senate.gov · roll call 411
Congress votes on whole bills and amendments, not on single sections.