Vice President J.D. Vance cast two critical tie-breaking votes this week to push forward a sweeping $9.4 billion rescissions package in the U.S. Senate. The package includes major cuts to public broadcasting and foreign aid, sparking sharp debate across party lines.
The Senate was deadlocked 50-50 on two procedural motions to begin debate on the legislation, requiring Vice President Vance’s votes to move the bill forward. The proposal, previously passed by the House, was introduced at the request of the White House as part of a broader effort to reduce federal spending.
Among the most controversial provisions is a plan to eliminate $1.1 billion in funding to the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB), which supports PBS and NPR. The bill also rescinds $8.3 billion earmarked for the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), drawing concern from lawmakers on both sides of the aisle.
Three Republican senators — Mitch McConnell (Ky.), Lisa Murkowski (Alaska), and Susan Collins (Maine) — joined Democrats in voting against the measure.
“The rescissions package has a big problem — nobody really knows what program reductions are in it,” said Sen. Collins, citing a lack of clarity from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) about which specific programs would be cut. “That’s not because we haven’t had time to review the bill. It’s because OMB hasn’t provided the necessary details.”
Collins also objected to the scale of proposed cuts to development assistance programs, which fund essential services like education, clean water, and food security in developing countries.
“This isn’t just numbers on a spreadsheet. These cuts could have serious consequences,” she warned.
In response to bipartisan pressure, Senate leaders indicated that $400 million in planned cuts to the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) may be restored through an amendment before the final vote.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) said discussions are underway to modify the package slightly, which could bring the total rescissions closer to $9 billion while preserving certain global health funds.
“There’s broad support for scaling back some foreign aid, but we want to ensure critical programs like PEPFAR are protected,” Thune noted.
The proposed defunding of NPR and PBS drew additional criticism, particularly from rural lawmakers who say public broadcasting provides essential local news coverage and educational content.
“I share concerns about NPR’s bias,” Collins acknowledged, “but public media stations also provide access to beloved programming like Antiques Roadshow and Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood that many families rely on.”
The Senate is expected to debate amendments before holding a final vote in the coming days. If approved with changes, the package will return to the House for reconciliation.