US senators exempt HIV/Aids funding from planned spending cuts

US senators will spare the US-backed HIV/Aids programme Pepfar from planned spending cuts, following concerns from lawmakers. The Pepfar funding, initially facing a $400m reduction in the rescissions package, will be protected, leaving total proposed cuts at $9bn. President Trump's administration supported the Senate amendment, signaling willingness to sign the bill, which also includes cuts to international aid and public broadcasting.