Senate Republicans Clash Over Trump-Backed Spending Cuts
Senate Minority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) is facing mounting resistance from fellow Republicans over a high-stakes funding rollback package that would slash $9.4 billion from public broadcasting and global health initiatives. This House-approved measure, heavily influenced by former President Trump’s priorities, has sparked a growing divide within GOP ranks just days before a critical vote.
At the heart of the controversy is a proposed rescissions package that targets international aid and eliminates future funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting—an institution that supports beloved public media outlets like PBS and NPR. While the measure aligns with Trump’s vision for streamlined government spending, several key Senate Republicans are pushing back, especially those with strong ties to rural and bipartisan initiatives.
Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine), who chairs the influential Senate Appropriations Committee, voiced firm opposition to cutting funding for programs like PEPFAR—a global HIV/AIDS relief initiative launched by President George W. Bush—and maternal health services. Collins also defended local public broadcasting, pointing to its critical role in emergency alerts and educational programming, such as the high school quiz shows popular in her home state.
“I’ve made it clear that local stations provide essential services, and slashing their funding would be shortsighted,” Collins told reporters.
Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) echoed similar concerns, saying he’s prepared to vote “no” unless protections are added for Native American radio stations that rely heavily on federal support. “These stations are vital in very rural areas—some depend on this funding for up to 90 percent of their operations,” he explained.
This growing Republican resistance could derail the rescissions effort, particularly with Democrats unified in opposition. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) warned that passing a partisan rollback undermines the spirit of bipartisan cooperation in budget negotiations. “This is not how we do business,” Schumer emphasized in a recent letter to colleagues.
The situation is further complicated by internal GOP frustration over the expanding power of the Trump administration to override Congress on spending decisions. Some senators argue that the rescissions process hands too much control to the executive branch, bypassing the checks and balances that define the legislative role in budgeting.
One Republican senator, speaking anonymously, said, “We’re being cut out of the process. Decisions are being made without our input, and now we’re expected to rubber-stamp cuts we never agreed to?”
Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) and Sen. Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) have also expressed hesitation, particularly over the proposed elimination of funding for rural hospitals and Medicaid—concerns that mirror the backlash from last month’s debate over clean energy tax credits.
With Republicans holding a narrow 53-47 Senate majority, Thune can only afford to lose three votes. At least five GOP senators are either opposing the bill outright or remain undecided, making passage far from guaranteed.
As the July 18 deadline looms, all eyes are on Thune and his ability to bring his party together. The stakes are high—not just for public broadcasting and international aid—but for the broader question of how much influence the executive branch should wield over Congress-approved spending.
This internal GOP clash reveals deeper tensions over priorities, power, and party unity—and could have ripple effects on upcoming budget battles heading into the next fiscal year.
