Press Releases

Rep. French Hill (AR-02) today voted in favor of H.R. 4, the Rescissions Act of 2025, which passed the House by a vote of 216-213. The bill saves taxpayers $9 billion by rescinding unobligated funding for the State Department and returning the Corporation for Public Broadcasting to a normal budgeting cycle.

Rep. Hill said, “With our national debt approaching $40 trillion and annual deficits of nearly $2 trillion, it's critical we rein in unchecked federal spending. This was one of the top issues in the last campaign, and Americans spoke loud and clear that they want Washington to stop wasting their money. This rescissions package is a modest but meaningful step that demonstrates we have the spine to keep our promises.

“These are commonsense cuts that don't impact current operations or national security. If Congress cannot cut $9 billion from a nearly $7 trillion federal budget, then we are not serious about restoring fiscal responsibility.

“Arkansans understand the value of living within their means, and they expect the same from their government. This is what my fellow central Arkansans sent me here to do: ensure responsible spending that puts taxpayers first.”

Background

The Senate Amendment to H.R 4, the Rescissions Act of 2025, would rescind $9 billion in funding appropriated in FY24 and FY25 from programs in the State Department and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB). Specifically, $7.9 billion of unobligated funding is rescinded from foreign aid programs in the State Department, and $1.1 billion is rescinded from future funding for the CPB, which funds National Public Radio (NPR) and the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS). The rescinded funds from the State Department are unobligated spending, meaning the money was never going to be spent. The rescinded funds from CPB are for future FY26 and FY27 appropriations; it does not cut current funding.