Senate Narrowly Advances $9 Billion Trump Rescissions Package

President Donald Trump's $9 billion rescissions package, aimed at clawing back previously approved funding, narrowly advanced in the Senate after Vice President JD Vance cast the tie-breaking vote. The package, which includes significant cuts such as $8.3 billion from foreign aid and $1.1 billion from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, faces opposition from moderate Republicans including Senators Susan Collins, Lisa Murkowski, and Mitch McConnell, who voted against advancing the bill despite concessions like exempting global AIDS relief funding. Senate Republicans are racing against a Friday deadline to pass the proposal, which passed the House by a slim margin earlier but still requires final approval amid concerns about the lack of clarity on program reductions. Democrats strongly criticize the cuts as undermining congressional appropriations and public media, accusing the Trump administration of weaponizing resources for political purposes. Meanwhile, some Republicans argue the rescissions are necessary to address the growing federal deficit. The outcome remains uncertain as Senate GOP leadership strives to secure just enough votes to finalize the package within the tight timeline.