Senate Passes $9.4 Billion Trump-Inspired Spending Cuts Amid GOP Opposition

President Donald Trump achieved a significant congressional victory by securing $9.4 billion in federal spending cuts through a rescission bill, marking a key step in his agenda to reduce government size. The legislation, passed by a narrow 51-48 Senate vote, includes 21 rescissions targeting funds such as $1.1 billion for public broadcasters like PBS and NPR, and approximately $8.3 billion in USAID funding for overseas social aid programs supporting initiatives including transgender operas and pro-LGBT groups. The bill sparked division within the Republican Party, with moderate GOP senators Lisa Murkowski, Susan Collins, and Mitch McConnell opposing the measure, though it ultimately passed with Vice President JD Vance casting a tie-breaking vote. Trump actively pressured Republicans to support the bill, warning that those who resisted would not receive his endorsement for re-election, particularly emphasizing defunding public broadcasting. Conservative lawmakers largely backed the cuts, viewing the rescission package as the start of ongoing efforts to reconsider previously approved funding. Concerns remain among some moderates regarding the impact on programs like the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and public broadcasting.