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The US Senate voted to exempt $400 million in funding for the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (Pepfar) from broader government spending cuts. This decision follows widespread concern from both Democrats and Republicans, who cited Pepfar's life-saving impact, particularly in Africa. The amended bill, now excluding the Pepfar cuts, will return to the House of Representatives for a final vote before a Friday deadline. The White House has indicated support for the Senate's amendment, suggesting President Trump would sign the bill into law. The reversal is being celebrated by global health experts who had previously warned of the devastating consequences of the funding cuts.

Prepared by Olivia Bennett and reviewed by editorial team.