WASHINGTON, July 17 (AP) — The Senate has approved approximately $9 billion in federal spending cuts requested by President Donald Trump, marking a step forward in one of his major policy priorities, despite apprehensions from several Republican senators. The deep reductions target public broadcasting and foreign aid. The bill now heads to the House, potentially impacting key programs—ranging from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting to US food aid abroad—while having minimal effect on the national debt.
This move could complicate the passage of additional spending bills this year. Critics, including some Republicans, argue that Congress is relinquishing its spending powers to President Trump, with little clarity on how cuts will be implemented by the White House Office of Management and Budget. The Senate passed the bill by a 51-48 vote after extensive debate, where Democrats proposed numerous amendments to alter the rescissions, none of which were adopted.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune argued that the rescissions were a means to curb "wasteful spending," marking a step towards what he calls "fiscal sanity." However, Senate Appropriations Committee Chairwoman Susan Collins expressed concern, stating that the bill conceals which programs will face reductions.
Collins, along with Senator Lisa Murkowski and the Democrats, voted against the legislation. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell also initially opposed the procedural vote due to concerns over lack of transparency from the White House but supported the final passage.
These cuts come on the heels of Republican-led tax and spending cuts pushed through Congress without Democratic backing. The Congressional Budget Office estimates these measures will inflate federal deficits by approximately $3.3 trillion over the next ten years.
Critics, including Collins and Murkowski, voiced concern over cuts to public broadcasting, highlighting potential risks to rural stations. Murkowski emphasized that such stations provide critical emergency alerts in her state. This argument gained traction when a significant earthquake triggered tsunami warnings broadcasted by local stations, underscoring the public service role of these channels.
The bill would slash nearly $1.1 billion from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting over the upcoming budget years. The funding primarily supports over 1,500 public television and radio stations, as well as National Public Radio and the Public Broadcasting Service.
Senator Mike Rounds mentioned a deal with the White House to divert some Interior Department funds to support Native American public radio stations. However, Kate Riley of America's Public Television Stations criticized this deal as insufficient to offset the broader impacts of funding cuts.
Furthermore, the legislation targets approximately $8 billion in foreign aid spending. This includes a $4.15 billion cut from programs that assist developing nations in strengthening their economies and democratic institutions. Democrats warn that reducing foreign aid jeopardizes U.S. influence and allows nations like China to fill the void.
Senator Brian Schatz highlighted the life-saving implications of foreign aid, asserting that such cuts could lead to further loss of life. Due to objections from Republicans, a proposed $400 million cut to the popular PEPFAR program, aimed at combating HIV/AIDS, was removed from the bill.
Looking ahead, Democrats have criticized the process, which bypasses the usual legislative norms. The Trump administration may introduce additional rescission packages, although some Republicans have reservations about supporting future proposals.
Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman Roger Wicker approved the bill but cautioned against setting a precedent without adequate transparency. Senator Thom Tillis also emphasized the necessity for bipartisan cooperation to prevent a government shutdown later in the year.
Susan Collins abandoned a last-minute effort to reduce cuts by $2.5 billion, unable to garner sufficient support. Although the House has aligned largely on party lines, the Senate's amendment necessitates another House vote. The deadline for the bill to be signed into law is Friday midnight; otherwise, the proposed cuts will expire.
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