Vice President J.D. Vance cast two decisive tie-breaking votes this week, pushing a sweeping $9.4 billion rescissions package through a deadlocked Senate. The high-stakes legislation—aimed at slashing federal spending—has ignited fierce debate, particularly over proposed cuts to public broadcasting and international aid programs.
The Senate split evenly, 50-50, on two key procedural motions needed to begin debate on the bill, prompting Vance to step in. The package, which passed the House earlier this month, was introduced at the request of the White House as part of a broader effort to rein in government expenditures.
At the heart of the controversy is a proposed $1.1 billion cut to the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB), which funds beloved media outlets like PBS and NPR. Another $8.3 billion would be stripped from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), drawing sharp rebuke from both Republicans and Democrats.
Three GOP senators—Mitch McConnell (Ky.), Lisa Murkowski (Alaska), and Susan Collins (Maine)—broke with their party to oppose the measure.
“The rescissions package has a big problem — nobody really knows what program reductions are in it,” said Sen. Collins, criticizing the lack of transparency from the Office of Management and Budget. “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 raised alarms about the humanitarian consequences of the cuts, which would reduce funding for education, clean water, and food security in some of the world’s most vulnerable regions.
“These aren’t just numbers on a spreadsheet,” she warned. “These are lifelines.”
Amid bipartisan concern, Senate leaders signaled that $400 million in proposed cuts to the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) could be restored through an upcoming amendment. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) said revisions may reduce the overall rescissions slightly while safeguarding core global health programs.
“There’s strong support for trimming certain foreign aid,” Thune said, “but we need to make sure we’re not undermining critical initiatives like PEPFAR.”
The move to defund NPR and PBS also sparked backlash—particularly from rural lawmakers—who emphasized the importance of public broadcasting for communities with limited media access.
“I share concerns about NPR’s bias,” Collins noted, “but local stations also deliver trusted educational content like Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood and Antiques Roadshow that families depend on.”
The Senate is expected to consider amendments before a final vote. If approved with changes, the package will return to the House for reconciliation.