By Erewunmi Peace

In a major bipartisan move, the U.S. Senate has voted to exempt the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) from proposed federal spending cuts, protecting more than $400 million in funding for global HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment.

The action comes as part of a broader $9 billion rescissions package supported by former President Donald Trump and key Republican leaders. The bill aimed to slash funding for foreign aid, public broadcasting, and other federal programs. However, after strong opposition from both sides of the aisle, lawmakers struck the proposed cuts to PEPFAR from the final version of the bill.

Senators Susan Collins (R-ME), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), and several Democrats played a leading role in defending the 20-year-old program, which has saved millions of lives in Africa and other regions hardest hit by the AIDS epidemic.

“PEPFAR represents one of the most effective and compassionate foreign policy programs ever created by the United States,” said Senator Chris Coons (D-DE). “Cutting it would have reversed decades of progress.”

PEPFAR, launched in 2003 under President George W. Bush, has received widespread bipartisan support for its role in providing antiretroviral treatment, testing services, and community health initiatives across more than 50 countries.

The revised rescission bill passed the Senate and now returns to the House of Representatives for final approval. If passed, it will be sent to the president for signing.

What’s Next?

While the remaining $9 billion in cuts still target foreign aid and media services like NPR and PBS, the preservation of PEPFAR funds is seen as a victory for global health advocates.

The development comes amid broader debates about America’s role in international humanitarian assistance, especially at a time when global health systems face ongoing pressure from post-pandemic challenges.