<h1>Senate passes $9 billion spending cuts in tie-breaking vote targeting foreign aid and public broadcasting</h1> The Senate advanced a presidential request to cancel $9 billion in previously approved spending through a 50-50 vote, with the Vice President breaking the tie. The measure targets foreign aid programs and public broadcasting funding, though a $400 million cut to an HIV/AIDS program was removed to increase passage prospects. Republican leadership cited the need to control spending given the $36 trillion national debt. Several Republican senators expressed concerns about lack of specifics from the administration, while Democrats warned the cuts would harm public radio and television stations that provide emergency alerts and educational programming. The bill faces potential amendments before returning to the House for final passage.