Senate GOP Nears Vote on $9.4B Trump Spending Clawbacks

Senate Republicans are working to advance President Donald Trump's $9.4 billion rescissions package aimed at reclaiming previously approved government spending, including $1.1 billion from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting and $8.3 billion from foreign aid programs such as the global AIDS initiative PEPFAR. Senate Majority Leader John Thune faces challenges securing enough support within his party due to concerns from GOP senators about the impact on public media and critical health programs, prompting discussions about scaling back some cuts, including a $400 million reduction from PEPFAR. Despite these negotiations, House conservatives have urged the Senate to pass the full measure without weakening any provisions, viewing it as essential to fulfilling Trump's fiscal agenda and budget discipline. The package narrowly passed the House but may face further hurdles in the Senate, where Democrats unanimously oppose it, framing the bill as a partisan attack on bipartisan cooperation. With a key vote approaching and a Friday deadline looming for Congress to act or risk releasing the funds, Senate Republicans must balance internal dissent, potential amendments, and the risk of resetting the bill in the House if changes are made.