In a narrow vote, Congress passed the Rescissions Act of 2025, a $9 billion rollback of previously approved federal spending, including deep cuts to foreign aid and development assistance programs. The legislation, championed by the Trump administration, now heads to the President’s desk for signature.

The bill canceled $2.5 billion from the Development Assistance account, which funds a wide range of global initiatives—including basic education programs in low-income countries. The bill also slashes funding for the Education Support Fund, International Disaster Assistance, Global Health Programs, and Migration and Refugee Assistance.

Senator Susan Collins (R-ME), Chair of the Appropriations Committee, voiced strong opposition, citing the lack of transparency from the Office of Management and Budget. “We don’t know how these cuts will be implemented. Basic education, food security, and clean water programs are all at risk,” Collins said during floor debate before she voted against the bill.

In fiscal year 2023, the U.S. Government supported 44 million learners across pre-primary, primary, secondary, workforce development, and vocational training - 99% of those programs have been cut, with only two remaining.

“Slashing funds for basic education abandons our global commitments and puts millions of children at risk,” said Giulia McPherson, Executive Director of the Global Campaign for Education-US. “Education is a lifeline—and these cuts will have lasting consequences.”

The rescissions package is likely to undermine decades of progress in literacy, girls’ education, and teacher training across vulnerable regions, with widespread and long-lasting consequences to American safety, prosperity, and global leadership.

The passage of the rescissions package erodes Congress’s “power of the purse” – its ability to control government spending. The $9 billion cancelled by this package was included in the FY25 budget passed by Congress four months ago.