Trump’s $9 Billion Funding Clawback Clears First Senate Hurdle Amid GOP Dissent

President Donald Trump’s ambitious plan to claw back $9 billion in previously approved funding for foreign aid and public broadcasting has cleared its first Senate hurdle, but the road ahead looks anything but smooth. In a tense vote, the Senate Appropriations Committee advanced the bill, though not without drama—Vice President JD Vance had to step in with the deciding vote as a handful of Senate Republicans joined Democrats in opposition.

The package, which originally targeted $9.4 billion in cuts, was trimmed slightly to $9 billion after GOP leaders agreed to preserve $400 million for global HIV and AIDS prevention programs under the Bush-era PEPFAR initiative. This concession aimed to win over hesitant Republicans, but it didn’t fully quiet the dissent. Nearly $8 billion in cuts are slated for the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), with over $1 billion aimed at the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, which funds NPR and PBS.

Despite White House pressure—spearheaded by Office of Management and Budget Director Russ Vought—and closed-door negotiations, several GOP senators remain unconvinced. Sen. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska didn’t mince words, dismissing the process with a frustrated call to 'actually legislate' rather than push through rushed cuts. Similarly, Sen. Susan Collins of Maine criticized the lack of transparency, pointing out that detailed breakdowns of the proposed reductions are still missing. Even Sen. Mitch McConnell of Kentucky voted against advancing the bill, signaling deep fractures within the party.

As the bill heads to another procedural vote, followed by hours of debate and a potential flood of amendments in a 'vote-a-rama,' House Speaker Mike Johnson has urged the Senate to pass it unchanged. Yet, with fiscal hawks in the House already grumbling and Senate GOP ranks divided, further tweaks seem inevitable. If history is any guide, a revised package will likely still make it to Trump’s desk—but not without a fight.