In a closely contested 51-48 vote, the U.S. Senate approved a $9 billion federal spending cut, marking a significant move toward curbing government expenditures. The measure, supported by President Trump’s administration, signals a renewed effort to eliminate wasteful spending and prioritize essential services.
Key components of the package include cuts to foreign aid and the elimination of long-standing funding for public broadcasters such as NPR and PBS. These provisions align with broader Republican efforts to overhaul the budget and address long-standing deficits. However, the proposal faced resistance even within the GOP.
Republican Senators Susan Collins of Maine and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska voted against the bill. They criticized the package for lacking transparency, particularly objecting to the $2.5 billion cut to Development Assistance. Collins questioned which vital programs—such as clean water initiatives or food security—would be impacted.
Public broadcasting cuts also drew strong objections. Murkowski underscored the importance of local stations in emergency communication, citing tsunami alerts in Alaska as an example. Both senators emphasized the vital role these services play in rural and remote areas.
Senator Mark Kelly introduced an amendment, originally considered by Collins, to scale back the cuts to $6 billion. Murkowski submitted a separate amendment specifically aimed at preserving funding for public broadcasting, highlighting bipartisan concern over the depth of the proposed reductions.
Despite the pushback, some lawmakers viewed the cuts as relatively minor. Senator Ron Johnson pointed out that the reductions account for less than 0.1% of the federal budget. Senator Eric Schmitt, a leading proponent of the bill, praised it as a step toward responsible governance and a model for future fiscal restraint.
The bill now moves to the House for further negotiations. Supporters argue that, while modest, the package lays the groundwork for long-term budget discipline and more targeted federal spending.
