Four Republicans Join Democrats Against $9B Package

Donald Trump interviewed before the election in 2024

The U.S. Senate passed a $9 billion rescissions package on July 17, cutting funds for foreign aid and public broadcasting, with a 51-48 vote. An amendment preserved $400 million for PEPFAR, while $1.1 billion was cut from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting and $7.9 billion from foreign aid programs. The House approved the revised package on July 18, by a 216-213 vote, sending it to President Donald Trump for his signature before a looming deadline. Democrats criticized the cuts for undermining bipartisan agreements, while some Republicans noted concerns about spending authority and future adjustments. In the Senate, two Republicans voted with Democrats against the rescissions bill: Sens. Susan Collins (Maine) and Lisa Murkowski (Alaska). In the House, two Republicans opposed the bill: Reps. Mike Turner of Ohio and Brian Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania.

James Comer speaks at House hearing on Biden

House Oversight Chair James Comer stressed careful handling of talks given the narrow Senate majority. Senators like Susan Collins (R-ME) and Mike Rounds (R-SD) had pushed to amend the bill to preserve funding.

Sen. Susan Collins questions Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.

Prior to the vote, Collins said, “I have already made clear I don’t support the cuts to PEPFAR and child and maternal health.”

Sen. Susan Collins at Senate hearing in 2024

Rounds noted the importance of small-town radio stations for emergency communication, while Collins opposes cuts to programs for child and maternal health. Some Republican senators supported amending the package, and Sen. Thom Tillis (R-NC) has expressed openness to changes that could improve the proposal.

Sen. Mike Rounds at DakotaFest forum in 2024

Rounds said, “Whatever form it takes, we can't lose these small-town radio stations across the country that are literally the only way to get out an emergency message.”

Sen. Jerry Moran at emergency room unveiling

Before the vote, Sen. Jerry Moran (R-KS) said, “I’m trying now to determine what amendments I might be able to vote for. So until I know the scope of the capabilities, I’d rather be in a position of keeping my options open.”

Senate Majority Leader John Thune speaks with constituents

Senate Republicans had consulted the parliamentarian on allowed amendments before the House accepted changes to the rescission package. Senate Majority Leader John Thune remained optimistic about the proposal successfully moving forward.

Michael Davis covers U.S. politics & news for content partner Modern Newsstand LLC.