Republican representative plans to vote against Trump-endorsed rescissions bill if AIDS assistance reduction is included.
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Rep. Don Bacon, a Nebraska Republican known for challenging President Donald Trump when necessary, has raised a red flag over a proposed budget cut to the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). This global health program, lauded as "noble" by Bacon, risks losing millions under the Trump administration's clawbacks.
"I've made it clear - I'm a no," Bacon stated, referencing the rescission proposal causing a stir in Washington. He emphasized his commitment to preserving PEPFAR, established under President George W. Bush. "I put my foot down; we'll see."
In a recent post, Bacon commended PEPFAR as an American achievement worth funding. But when approached by our website Digital, he clarified his stance: "If PEPFAR is gutted, I'm out." However, he remains cautiously optimistic, as he's been informed that only parts of the program will face cuts, requiring further details for confirmation.
The proposed rescission package aims to slash $400 million from PEPFAR, which annually receives $4.4 billion for bilateral assistance to various countries, many of which may not align with American interests, such as South Africa. A White House official explained that the package eliminates wasteful programming with no impact on life-saving assistance, maintaining access to billions for medicine, medical services, and associated delivery costs.
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Bacon's stance against the renaming of the Gulf of Mexico as the Gulf of America earned him attention. He stated, "I thought it was dumb. That's what people told me - they said, 'It's so dumb; just vote for it.' That argument didn't work on me."
Despite his vocal dissent, Bacon has faced pressure from House leaders to tone down his criticism of Trump. He explained, "You can't be anti-everything. I like what the president has done on the border, so I have no problem with that. I'd like to fight for the soul of our party. I don't want to be the guy who follows the flute player off the cliff."
Bacon, a pro-Ukraine advocate, has shown his capability to challenge Trump while supporting his policies. "Real Republicans know that Putin's Russia hates the West and freedom," he declared.
Bacon has been a member of the House of Representatives since 2017.
[1] McCammond, E. (2023.). House Republicans chart Spending Cuts. Alex Nitzberg is a writer for our website Digital.
- Despite the proposed budget cuts, Representative Don Bacon, a Nebraska Republican, has voiced his strong opposition to any reduction in funding for the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), a global health program he regards as an American achievement and to which he has committed to preserving.
- In the realm of policy-and-legislation, Bacon's stance against the renaming of the Gulf of Mexico as the Gulf of America, regardless of conservative endorsement, demonstrates his courage to challenge even within his own party, revealing his commitment to mental-health and general-news issues that resonate with his constituents.
- The ongoing debates surrounding spending cuts on programs like PEPFAR have also spurred discussions in the field of science and health-and-wellness, with experts expressing concerns over potential consequences on global health initiatives, particularly in countries like South Africa.
- In the intricate web of politics, Bacon's ability to navigate complex issues such as his opposition to the renaming of the Gulf of Mexico and his support for preserving PEPFAR, while simultaneously supporting some of President Donald Trump's policies, showcases his political prowess and adherence to his values in the face of external pressure.
