Vice President J.D. Vance cast two decisive tie-breaking votes this week, allowing the Senate to move forward with a massive $9.4 billion rescissions plan. The measure proposes significant reductions in public broadcasting and foreign aid, fueling intense partisan debate.
The Senate split 50-50 on two procedural votes to open discussion on the bill, requiring Vance to step in and break the deadlock. The legislation, already passed by the House, was requested by the White House as part of a broader strategy to curb federal expenditures.
Among the most debated provisions is the elimination of $1.1 billion for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB), which supports outlets such as PBS and NPR. Another $8.3 billion in cuts target the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), prompting concern from members of both parties.
Three Republican senators — Mitch McConnell (Ky.), Lisa Murkowski (Alaska), and Susan Collins (Maine) — sided with Democrats in opposing the measure.
“The rescissions plan has a major issue — no one has a clear picture of which programs are actually being reduced,” said Sen. Collins, pointing to insufficient details from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). “This isn’t because we haven’t reviewed it; it’s because OMB hasn’t shared the necessary specifics.”
Collins also criticized the depth of proposed foreign aid reductions, warning they could harm programs delivering education, clean water, and food security to developing nations.
“These aren’t just numbers on paper. These cuts carry real-world consequences,” she cautioned.
Facing bipartisan resistance, Senate leaders signaled that $400 million in planned cuts to the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) might be restored through an amendment prior to the final vote.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) noted that adjustments are being considered to reduce the total package closer to $9 billion while safeguarding critical global health initiatives.
“There’s widespread agreement on trimming some foreign aid, but we want to ensure essential programs like PEPFAR remain intact,” Thune stated.
The proposed defunding of NPR and PBS also faced backlash, particularly from rural lawmakers who argue that public broadcasting delivers vital local news and educational content.
“I understand concerns about NPR’s perceived bias,” Collins said, “but public media also provides beloved programming such as Antiques Roadshow and Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, which many families value.”
The Senate is expected to review amendments before holding a final vote in the coming days. If approved with modifications, the bill will return to the House for reconciliation.
