House gives final approval to $9 billion spending clawback, sending it to Trump for signature

The GOP-led House early Friday voted 216-213 along party lines to claw back $9 billion in foreign aid and public broadcasting funds, handing President Trump another major win in his bid to shrink the size of government.

The rescissions package -- already approved by the Senate -- now heads to Trump for his signature. The president has vowed to sign it.

The House approval came after lawmakers dropped a provision to demand the release of files from the late sex offender and disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein.

Just two Republicans, Reps. Brian Fitzpatrick, R-Pa., and Mike Turner, R-Ohio, voted against the bill. 

"This bill tonight is part of continuing that trend of getting spending under control," House Majority Leader Steve Scalise said. "Does it answer all the problems? No. $9 billion I would say, is a good start, and hopefully we do more things like this."

The bill cuts $8 billion from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and $1 billion to the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.