Thirty-Eight Democrats Join GOP on Appropriations Bills

Senator Schumer discusses mosquito control concerns

The Senate has voted to advance fiscal 2026 appropriations bills, covering military construction and Veterans Affairs (VA) with a vote of 78-18. Thirty-eight Democrats supported the measure, though they expressed concern regarding Republican-led cuts to public broadcasting and global aid. The reductions, totaling $9 billion, strained bipartisan negotiations and are expected to significantly impact PBS and NPR news outlets.

Sen. Fetterman speaks at a rally event

Sen. John Fetterman (D-PA) wrote, “I will never, ever vote to shut our government down. That's a core responsibility. And now we may not like a lot of these changes to things, and I don't, but I'm saying that's the way that democracy works.”

Sen. Thune talks with Republican senators

The funding package includes $153.5 billion in discretionary spending, with $342 million for rural health care, $3.5 billion for VA caregivers, and aid for homeless veterans. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) is pushing the bill forward to support future funding talks and prevent a government shutdown.

Thune engages with Watertown constituents

Thune said, “Democrats have indicated that they're so upset over a rescissions bill last week, which, by the way, cut one tenth of 1% of all federal spending, that somehow they could use that to shut down the appropriations process and therefore shut down the government.”

Sen. Collins questions HHS Secretary Kennedy

Sen. Appropriations Chair Susan Collins (R-ME) praised the bipartisan approach to legislation. She and Sen. Patty Murray (D-WA) pledged cooperation on appropriations bills.

Sen. Collins at Senate hearing discussion

Collins said, “This is a fundamental responsibility of Congress, and I want to express my gratitude to Thune for giving us the opportunity to bring the first of the fiscal year 2026 appropriations bills to the Senate floor.”

Schumer discusses nominee Russell Vought

Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) warned that altering agreed funding threatens bipartisan cooperation. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) emphasized the need for continued negotiations to secure stable funding deals.

Sen. Schumer speaks at Democratic Convention

Schumer said, “We're working together to get one. But the bottom line is, Republicans are making it much harder. Rescissions, impoundment, pocket rescissions directly undoes this.”

Laura Mitchell covers U.S. politics & news for content partner Modern Newsstand LLC.