The Senate will debate Trump’s $9 billion rescissions package following late-night procedural votes that saw three Republican senators defect, according to reports. The bill, which seeks to reclaim funding for foreign aid and public broadcasting, faces strong opposition from Democrats and some Republicans, who argue it undermines congressional authority and prioritizes executive control over budget decisions.
The move has sparked intense political debate, with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer accusing Republicans of using the bill as part of a larger plan to eliminate Democratic influence over fiscal decisions. He warned that the cuts could pave the way for deeper spending reductions in critical programs like healthcare and food assistance. Meanwhile, some Republican lawmakers, including Sens. Lisa Murkowski and Susan Collins, have expressed concerns about the lack of transparency and clarity in how the clawbacks will be implemented, questioning the role of the Office of Management and Budget in overseeing the process.
The battle over the bill has also intensified as Vice President JD Vance is poised to play a decisive role, having cast his sixth and seventh tie-breaking votes of the year to keep the package alive. With the Senate set to open another round of voting, the debate will include unlimited amendments as both sides attempt to shape the final outcome of the legislation.