Trump-Backed Spending Cut Clears Senate Hurdle – $9 Billion on the Chopping Block!
In a high-stakes showdown on Capitol Hill, Senate Republicans on Tuesday gave the green light to Donald Trump's bold demand to slash nearly $9 billion in previously approved government spending. This controversial move pushed forward despite concerns about how the cuts might impact poor communities globally and local public radio and TV stations across the United States.
Senator JD Vance played the tie-breaker in a razor-thin 51-50 vote, propelling the proposal closer to reality. The final Senate vote could take place as soon as Wednesday, after which the bill would return to the House for a second vote, and if passed, head to the President’s desk just before the Friday deadline.
To boost its chances of passing, Republicans made one key change: they removed Trump’s proposed $400 million cut to PEPFAR, the widely respected program fighting HIV/AIDS globally. That program, launched under George W. Bush, has saved millions of lives and remains hugely popular across party lines.
Still, Trump is determined to claw back funds from a range of foreign aid initiatives through his so-called “Department of Government Efficiency”, and from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB).
“When you’ve got a $36 trillion debt, it’s time to get serious about spending,” declared Senate Majority Leader John Thune.
To calm internal nerves, Republicans huddled with White House budget chief Russ Vought, who took on more than 20 questions from senators during a tense lunch session. According to Senator John Hoeven, the concerns focused on striking a balance, with some lawmakers seeking tweaks or White House assurances.
That push had some success. Senator Mike Rounds announced support for the bill after negotiating with the administration to redirect “Green New Deal” funds to keep tribal radio stations alive.
But not all Republicans were sold. Senator Susan Collins, who chairs the powerful Senate Appropriations Committee, acknowledged the amended bill showed some “progress” but remained skeptical. She questioned how the package could still total $9 billion even after shielding GOP-favored programs.
Meanwhile, Senator Lisa Murkowski of Alaska voiced frustration. “We are lawmakers. We should be legislating — not just following White House marching orders.” She warned against a future filled with "round after round" of similar rescissions.
Despite the tension, the Republican majority largely backed Trump’s plan. Senator Eric Schmitt hailed it as “a first step in a long but necessary fight to restore fiscal sanity.”
Democrats, on the other hand, blasted the proposal. They see it as an attack on the Senate’s spending authority and an underhanded move to bypass bipartisan deals.
“It shreds the appropriations process,” said Senator Angus King, an Independent from Maine who votes with Democrats. “This turns the Senate into a rubber stamp for whatever the administration wants.”
Democratic leader Chuck Schumer warned that millions of Americans rely on public media for emergency alerts, local news, and educational content. He said the timing of the cuts couldn’t be worse, especially with deadly flooding in Texas, where real-time alerts can save lives.
Democrats also mocked Republicans’ sudden concern about the national debt, pointing out the irony: just two weeks ago, the GOP passed Trump’s massive $3.4 trillion tax and spending package.
“Now they’re acting like fiscal hawks, ready to gut Sesame Street to save pennies,” scoffed Senator Patty Murray. “Calling this ‘budget balancing’ is just laughable.”
With enough Republican votes secured, the Senate now braces for a vote-a-rama — up to 10 hours of grueling debate and a flurry of amendments.
The House has already backed Trump’s plan in a narrow 214-212 vote, but since the Senate made changes, it must go back to the House for final approval.
Adding pressure, Trump issued a stern warning via his social media platform. He directly called out any Republican considering a “no” vote, especially over funding for public broadcasting.
“Any Republican who supports this monstrosity will not have my endorsement — period,” Trump wrote.
Description:
"The Senate advances Donald Trump's controversial $9 billion spending cut proposal, targeting foreign aid and public broadcasting. Democrats cry foul as key programs face the axe."