House conservatives are drawing battle lines in the burgeoning showdown over President Donald Trump’s spending cuts request. A group of House Republicans has issued a letter to the Senate demanding that the full $9.4 billion in spending cuts from the rescission bill be upheld, warning that any weakening of the provisions would undermine Trump’s leadership and fiscal discipline. The letter, led by Rep. Andy Biggs, R-Ariz., and signed by 14 other Republicans, emphasizes the need for Congress to act on Trump’s mandate to eliminate wasteful and ideologically driven programs.
The bill, which passed the House in mid-June with a narrow 214-212 vote, targets funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, which supports NPR and PBS, as well as the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). The cuts are part of a broader effort by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk, to identify and slash government waste. Trump allies see the bill as a test of Congress’ willingness to support spending cuts under his leadership.
Senate Republicans, however, have indicated they may modify the bill, particularly regarding programs like PEPFAR, which has funded HIV/AIDS research in Africa and maternal health initiatives. Senate Appropriations Chair Susan Collins, R-Maine, has expressed concerns about terminating PEPFAR, which has impacted 26 million lives. Sen. Mike Rounds, R-S.D., has also raised questions about the impact of the cuts on rural radio stations that provide emergency services. The Senate must pass the bill within 45 days to keep the funds blocked, or they will be released. With razor-thin Republican majorities in both chambers, any vote is expected to be close and contentious.
While Trump’s allies argue the cuts are necessary for fiscal responsibility, Senate Republicans are navigating the political and practical challenges of amending the bill. The outcome of this showdown could have broader implications for Trump’s agenda and the future of federal spending policy in the U.S.