President Donald Trump’s proposed budget cuts may be very close to being implemented. The U.S. Senate will begin voting as soon as Tuesday on Trump’s request to slash $9.4 billion in spending on foreign aid and public broadcasting previously approved by Congress — the latest test of Trump’s control over his fellow Republicans.
The largest portion, about $8.3 billion, targets international programs such as global health initiatives, including the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), contributions to the World Health Organization, refugee aid, and international disaster assistance.
Additionally, $1.1 billion would be cut from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, impacting NPR, PBS, and over 1,500 local public media stations, many serving rural and underserved communities. The administration argues these cuts are necessary to reduce federal spending and eliminate what it describes as wasteful or politically biased programs.
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The House narrowly approved the rescission package, but the Senate’s approval remains uncertain. Some Senate Republicans, like John Thune, support the cuts, emphasizing fiscal responsibility. However, others, including Senators Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski, oppose the plan, citing concerns over the negative impact on global health efforts and vital public media services.
Democrats uniformly oppose the package, warning that these cuts could undermine U.S. influence abroad and diminish access to essential programming domestically. With a looming deadline for Senate action, this vote will test the cohesion of Republicans and the strength of Trump’s influence within the party.
Senator John Thune of South Dakota, the chamber’s Republican majority leader, said he hoped the first procedural votes would take place on Tuesday, but he did not know whether he had enough votes for the measure to pass without amendments.
“I don’t know the answer to that at this point. We got a lot of feedback. And I know there are folks who would like to see at least some modest changes to it,” Thune told reporters.
It is hopefully a good sign that the measure cannot pass without amendments as there is staunch opposition among the Democrats regarding these spending cuts.
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The Democrats are fighting Trump, saying that he is targeting foreign aid initiatives, which include support for women and children’s health and the fight against HIV/AIDS, programs that have long had strong bipartisan support.
Reuters reported that the Democrats also oppose cutting funds supporting broadcasting they view as essential communications in rural areas.
“What is going on here? Does anyone stand up to these horrible, horrible cuts that hurt the American people?” Senator Charles Schumer of New York, the chamber’s Democratic leader, said in remarks opening the Senate on Monday.
This vote on Trump’s spending cuts is a crucial moment for both the United States and Trump’s influence over his party. The proposed reductions in foreign aid and public broadcasting have sparked fierce debate, highlighting deep divisions within Congress.