Kentucky U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell voted in favor of passing a $9 billion rescission plan out of the Senate early July 17, just days after he was one of three Republican senators to vote against moving it forward.
The plan calls for Congress to strip federal funds from public broadcasting, global health initiatives and foreign aid programs, according to USA Today. Democrats have been heavily critical of the proposal — requested by President Donald Trump — saying the broadcast cuts could be particularly harmful to people in rural areas.
Following more than 12 hours of debate, the Senate passed the package in a 51-48 vote, USA Today reported. Now, the rescissions move back to the House to approve changes made in the Senate, including removing $400 million for AIDS prevention.
Though McConnell switched his vote to a “yes,” U.S. Sens. Lisa Murkowski and Susan Collins maintained their “no” votes.
Kentucky U.S. Sen. Rand Paul voted in favor of passing the plan.
If the rescissions are not Congress-approved by July 18, Trump’s request will expire and funding for public broadcasting and foreign aid will continue.
This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Mitch McConnell switches vote on public broadcasting, foreign aid cuts