WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump’s request to cancel about $9 billion in foreign aid and public broadcasting spending is nearing passage in the Senate, an action that would have a tiny impact on the nation’s rising debt but could have major ramifications for future spending fights in Congress.

Trump's $9 billion rescissions package is advancing despite a trio of Republican defections. It targets foreign aid and public broadcasting funding.

The U.S. Senate on Wednesday moved toward approval of President Donald Trump's plan for billions of dollars in cuts to funding for foreign aid and public broadcasting, which would hand Trump another victory as he exerts control over Congress.