The House of Representatives narrowly passed a rescissions package Thursday, a centerpiece of President Donald Trump‘s Department of Government Efficiency initiative, that would strip $9.4 billion in approved federal funding, including $1.1 billion from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.

But not all Republicans fell in line. In a 214-212 vote, four GOP representatives—Mike Turner of Ohio, Mark Amodei of Nevada, Brian Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania and Nicole Malliotakis of New York—joined all Democrats in opposing the bill.

Why It Matters

The House narrowly approved a package targeting foreign aid programs and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. This corporation funds National Public Radio (NPR), the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS), and thousands of public radio and TV stations nationwide.

Before the vote, the package faced growing pressure from Trump and conservative advocacy groups. Trump urged Republicans to support it in a post on Truth Social just before the vote, writing: “The Rescissions Bill is a NO BRAINER, and every single Republican in Congress should vote ‘YES.'”

He also called NPR and PBS “a Radical Left Disaster, and 1000% against the Republican Party.”

What To Know

The cuts are the closest Republicans have come in decades to defunding public broadcasting and sharply cutting humanitarian aid. Fiscal conservatives support the package, but public media advocates and aid groups warn that the impact would be immediate and serious.

“This rescissions package sends $9.4 billion back to the U.S. Treasury,” said Michigan Representative Lisa McClain, the chair of the House Republican Conference. “That’s $9.4 billion saved from being wasted. It’s taxpayer money,” she told the Associated Press.

Representative Chip Roy, a Texas Republican, defended the cuts, criticizing spending on “pottery classes” and “diversity, equity and inclusion programs.”

Roy said concerns about a humanitarian crisis are overblown. “Let’s just reject this now,” he said on the House floor.

Breaking With the Party

Representative Amodei from Nevada’s 2nd District has raised concerns about budget cuts affecting rural areas. Fitzpatrick and Turner also represent districts where NPR and PBS stations are important local news sources.

The cuts to the Corporation for Public Broadcasting would hit rural stations hard. Nearly half of the 1,500 affected stations are in rural communities, according to the AP. Public broadcasters warn that many stations could shut down, limiting emergency alerts, local news, and educational programming.

Senator Lisa Murkowski, a Republican from Alaska, who will vote on the bill in the Senate, warned it would “severely hamper” critical communications in her state.

“What some see as a frivolous expense is a vital resource that saves lives in Alaska,” she told NBC News.

Foreign Aid Cuts Prompt Global Alarm

Democrats strongly criticized the proposed cuts to humanitarian funding. The rescissions would slash $900 million from global health programs, $500 million from child and maternal health programs, and $400 million for fighting HIV. Another $800 million in emergency refugee aid is also at risk.

“These cuts will lead to the deaths of hundreds of thousands,” said Representative Jim McGovern, a Massachusetts Democrat.

“This bill is good for Russia and China and undertakers,” added Representative Steve Cohen, a Tennessee Democrat.

House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries called the measure “reckless” and part of “an extreme ideological crusade.” Speaking to the AP, he added, “Cruelty is the point.”

What People Are Saying

Representative Lisa McClain, chair of the House Republican Conference, told the Associated Press: “Those Democrats saying that these rescissions will harm people in other countries are missing the point. It’s about people in our country being put first.”

Abby Maxman, president of Oxfam America, in a statement: “We are already seeing women, children and families left without food, clean water and critical services after earlier aid cuts, and aid organizations can barely keep up with rising needs.”

What Happens Next

The Trump administration is employing a tool rarely used in recent years that allows the president to transmit a request to Congress to cancel previously appropriated funds. That triggers a 45-day clock in which the funds are frozen pending congressional action. If Congress fails to act within that period, the spending will remain in effect.