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| Senators voting in the chamber on Trump’s $9 billion rescission package |
The Senate approved President Trump’s rescission bill in the early hours of July 17, 2025. The measure reclaims $9 billion in previously approved spending. It cuts almost $8 billion from U.S. Agency for International Development funds and about $1 billion from public broadcasting budgets .
Republicans said the move trims waste. They argued that some programs went unchecked for years. Democrats warned the cuts would hurt allies abroad and weaken emergency alerts at home . Only two GOP senators—Susan Collins of Maine and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska—joined Democrats against the bill .
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell first balked at quick votes. He later backed the final package, after sparring with conservative holdouts over details . Lawmakers removed a proposed cut to the global AIDS relief fund, leaving that program intact with a $400 million cushion .
The Senate rejected an amendment by Democrats to save public broadcasting funding. That proposal would have restored $1.1 billion to the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. Opponents argued public radio and TV should compete on their own merits .
Supporters praised the bill as overdue. They said it checks runaway spending after decades of budget growth. Critics called it political payback that risks long-term security and public safety. They noted cuts to USAID could slow disaster relief and refugee aid .
After clearing the Senate by a 51-48 vote, the package moves to the House. There, GOP leaders warned against changing it. If the House makes amendments, the bill must return to the Senate for another vote. Either way, Congress faces a Friday deadline under the Impoundment Control Act .
Experts say slashing USAID could cost lives in crisis zones. Aid groups expect slowdowns in food shipments and clean-water projects. They warn that pulling dollars now may force even deeper cuts in next year’s budget .
Public broadcasting voices say cuts will harm rural listeners. They note PBS children’s programming and local NPR affiliates rely on federal grants. Lawmakers from farming states argued for its value to small towns .
Even some Republicans voiced unease. They pressed for more details on which USAID programs would lose funding. They feared that broad language in the bill left agencies guessing how to comply .
White House Budget Director Russell Vought lobbied senators hard in recent weeks. He secured support from holdouts by promising to ease the blow to high-priority health programs . Still, several GOP senators cited process concerns and lack of transparency.
Democrats vowed to fight the bill in the House. They plan to highlight stories of rural stations and aid workers. Their aim is to pressure swing-district Republicans ahead of next year’s midterms.
The final vote did not change the timeline. Agencies must return the funds by October 1, the start of the new fiscal year. Any delay could trigger automatic cuts elsewhere under budget enforcement rules.
This vote marks a rare win for Trump’s post-election agenda. It follows passage of earlier tax extensions and new defense spending. Analysts say the swift action shows how much power Senate Republicans still wield .
Some watchdog groups plan to track the clawback’s impact. They will issue monthly updates on fund rescissions and program delays. Their goal is to hold Congress to account on any unintended harm.
Supporters insist these cuts target excess, not core missions. They point to non-partisan reviews that flagged unspent funds sitting idle for years. They say clawbacks help refocus dollars on higher-priority needs .
As the House readies its floor debate, the count stands close. GOP leaders hold about a dozen seats in swing districts. Those lawmakers must weigh party unity against local concerns.
Whatever happens, this action sets a new precedent. It shows how the rescission power can reshape priorities without full appropriations fights. Lawmakers and watchdogs will watch closely for the next steps in 2026.
The debate now shifts to the House and then back to agencies. Stakeholders in foreign aid, public media, and emergency services prepare for tough choices on tight budgets.
The rescission package may win fast approval in the House. Or it could stall under pressure from members worried about local impacts. Either way, it marks a bold shift in how Washington reclaims already approved funds.