Senate GOP Moves Forward with Trump-backed Legislation to Nullify $9 Billion of Authorized Expenditures | US Senate

On Tuesday, Senate Republicans advanced Donald Trump’s request to cancel approximately $9 billion in previously approved spending. Despite concerns regarding the potential impact on impoverished individuals around the globe and public radio and television stations in their respective states, JD Vance broke the tie on the procedural vote, allowing the measure to progress with a 51-50 vote. A final vote in the Senate could take place as early as Wednesday, before the bill returns to the House for another vote and eventually reaches the US president’s desk for his signature, all before a Friday deadline. Republicans narrowed down the president’s request by excluding his proposed $400 million cut to the Pepfar program, which is credited with saving millions of lives under former President George W. Bush’s administration. Additionally, Trump aims to retrieve funds for foreign aid programs and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. Senator John Thune justified the move, stating that with a $36 trillion debt, the government must work to control spending. Concerns were addressed through a meeting between Republicans and Russ Vought, the White House Office of Management and Budget director. Some senators, such as Mike Rounds, found a solution by redirecting funds towards tribal radio stations. However, others, like Senators Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski, worry about the cuts decimating local media stations. Democrats oppose the package, viewing it as an attempt to undermine the Senate filibuster and erode the appropriations process. They argue that the savings fall short in comparison to the projected deficits caused by Republicans’ tax and spending cut bill and question the timing of such cuts. If the bill ends up generating controversy and thorny amendments during the vote-a-rama process, Republicans who vote against it may face Trump’s disapproval.

Source: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/jul/15/senate-republicans-trump-cancel-spending