The U.S. Senate is preparing to vote as early as Tuesday on President Donald Trump’s proposal to cut $9.4 billion from previously approved spending, including $8.3 billion in foreign aid and $1.1 billion for public broadcasting. The vote marks a critical test of Trump’s influence over Senate Republicans, as opposition grows within his own party.
Senate Republican leader John Thune acknowledged uncertainty over whether the measure has enough support to pass without amendments. The Senate must act by Friday, or the rescission request will expire, and the White House will be required to follow the original budget approved by Congress.
Although relatively small in the context of the $6.8 trillion federal budget, the proposed cuts have drawn backlash from Democrats and moderate Republicans. Critics argue the proposal undermines congressional authority and targets vital global health and communication programs. Democrats warn the cuts could weaken bipartisan efforts to fund women’s and children’s health initiatives and HIV/AIDS programs like PEPFAR, which Trump wants to reduce by $9 million.
Senators Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski have voiced concern over the impact on rural communities and international health efforts. Meanwhile, Trump has threatened to withhold political support from any lawmakers who attempt to amend the proposal.
The rescissions package narrowly passed the House last month in a 214-212 vote, with four Republicans siding with Democrats. Appropriations Committee Democrat Patty Murray warned that approving the cuts could jeopardize negotiations on future bipartisan spending bills needed to avoid a government shutdown.
While standard appropriations require 60 Senate votes, the rescissions package needs only a simple majority of 51, allowing Republicans to potentially pass it without Democratic backing.