The Senate took up for consideration a request from the White House to rescind approximately $9 billion in previously appropriated funds for international aid programs and public broadcasting, among other cuts. However, Senate negotiators likely will reject cuts to PEPFAR, the U.S. government’s global effort to combat HIV/AIDS, with the White House’s agreement.
Former President George W. Bush in an opinion piece for The Washington Post published Sept. 13 made his case for the reauthorization of PEPFAR, the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, calling that program pro-life — despite claims to the contrary from some pro-life advocates who have expressed concern some of the program’s funds could be diverted to pay for abortions.
