Illustration: Allie Carl / Axios
The Trump administration is expected to send a rescissions package to the Hill next week that could set off a debate over the extent of cuts to health programs overseas.
Why it matters: Foreign aid sent through USAID and through PEPFAR historically had bipartisan support, which could make votes to codify DOGE cuts a dicey proposition for some Republicans.
Driving the news: Although it's not yet clear which health programs will be targeted, the package to be sent to Congress on Tuesday will include $8.3 billion in cuts to foreign assistance from both USAID and the African Development Foundation, Axios' Hans Nichols reported.
- It's not clear the extent to which PEPFAR would also be included.
- Outside HIV/AIDS, health programs at USAID include addressing malaria, tuberculosis and maternal health.
The big picture: DOGE has already made steep cuts to USAID, though Congress' codifying the moves would make the changes more permanent.
- PEPFAR currently has a waiver to continue some of its activities, but it's limited and doesn't cover many HIV prevention efforts, said Jen Kates, director of the Global Health & HIV Policy Program at KFF.
- There is also a question of whether even some activities covered by the waiver have enough funding and staff left to operate.
What we're watching: Some members, particularly in the Senate, could push back on some of the cuts.
- "There's going to be a lot of pressure on Republicans to pass rescissions to support the president," Kates said. "However, some of these programs might be no-goes for some members."
