Senate Republicans are preparing to advance a multibillion-dollar clawback package from President Donald Trump, aiming to rescind funding for a variety of programs deemed ‘woke’ by conservative lawmakers. However, internal dissent threatens to stymie the process as several lawmakers voice concerns over the magnitude of the cuts, particularly targeting the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB).
The proposed $9.4 billion spending plan includes significant reductions, with over $8.3 billion allocated to USAID and a hefty $1 billion to the CPB, the government-backed funding arm for NPR and PBS. Despite these concerns, Senate Majority Leader John Thune is pushing to put the measure to a vote, but questions remain about whether he can secure the necessary votes within his party. Thune is only willing to allow for a narrow margin of error, with the possibility of losing just three votes before the bill faces a critical test.
Publicly, Sens. Susan Collins, R-Maine, and Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, have expressed reservations about the package, particularly regarding proposed cuts to the Bush-era President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and the public broadcasting fund. Collins’ stance remains unclear as she has not publicly committed to supporting the bill’s advancement. Sen. Mike Rounds, R-S.D., was similarly concerned over the impact of the cuts on tribal radio stations in rural areas, but he moved to back the bill after securing assurances that a portion of Green New Deal money could be reallocated to help these stations.
However, the support remains uncertain, with other lawmakers like Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C., indicating that several members have raised issues with the package. Tillis emphasized the importance of the bill’s passage, suggesting it might be just the beginning of a larger fiscal fight over rescission efforts. The potential amendment process, which could include additional votes, may present challenges, especially considering the need to align with the House’s position on the proposal.
Thune and his leadership team are currently assessing the package’s potential modifications before it reaches the Senate floor. Thune has expressed his willingness to allow for minor adjustments, hoping to find a path forward that would secure the necessary 51 votes without compromising the overall legislative strategy. This internal struggle highlights the ongoing challenges facing the GOP as they navigate a politically polarized environment in their quest to implement Trump’s fiscal agenda.