Senate Advances $9.4B Cuts Targeting Public Broadcasting, Foreign Aid

The U.S. Senate narrowly advanced debate on a $9.4 billion rescissions package backed by President Donald Trump that targets funding cuts to the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) and international aid programs focused on famine relief and disease prevention. Vice President JD Vance cast tie-breaking votes after several Republican senators, including Lisa Murkowski, Susan Collins, and Mitch McConnell, joined Democrats in opposition, citing concerns about the rescission process and the lack of legislative transparency. The package originally included cuts to PEPFAR, the U.S. AIDS relief program, but bipartisan resistance led to its removal from the list. Despite the proposed CPB cuts, a last-minute agreement brokered by Sen. Mike Rounds would preserve funding for tribal public radio stations by reallocating funds from a Department of the Interior program, though some Native media leaders criticized this workaround. Senate Republicans are exploring modest changes to secure enough votes, with discussions ongoing between the White House and GOP senators to address concerns about the severity of cuts. The Senate faces a deadline to pass the bill by Friday to prevent the funds from being released, with prolonged debates expected as both parties prepare for a contentious vote.