WASHINGTON — The Republican-led Congress is testing the popularity of Department of Government Efficiency spending cuts this week by aiming to pass President Donald Trump’s request to claw back about $9 billion in public broadcasting and foreign aid spending.

The House’s approval would mark the first time in decades that a president has successfully submitted a rescissions request to Congress.

The U.S. Senate early on Thursday approved President Donald Trump's plan for billions of dollars in cuts to funding for foreign aid and public broadcasting, handing the Republican president another victory as he exerts control over Congress with little opposition.