Congress Approves $50 Billion Foreign Aid Bill Amidst Previous Cuts by Trump Administration
Congress has passed a $50 billion foreign aid bill for 2026, marking a significant allocation despite previous reductions by the Trump administration in 2025. This new legislation includes funding for military aid to countries such as Egypt, Israel, and Taiwan, as well as support for democracy, scholarship programs, U.S. embassy operations, and global health and humanitarian initiatives. The bill represents a 16% cut from the previous year but is still more than what the Trump administration had proposed. The bipartisan support for the bill highlights a shift in congressional priorities, emphasizing the importance of maintaining U.S. influence and addressing global health and humanitarian needs. Concerns had been raised about the impact of last year's funding cuts, which led to reduced access to clinics, medicine, and food for many people worldwide.