House Republicans have greenlit an initial set of cuts proposed by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), moving a substantial $9 billion package to President Trump’s desk late Thursday night—a notable win for the GOP.
The legislation, which limits previously approved foreign aid and federal funding for public broadcasting, passed with a narrow vote of 216-213 in the House, just a day after the Senate approved it.
Trump is anticipated to sign the bill promptly, as Republicans are facing a looming deadline on Friday.
This package targets public broadcasting entities that support NPR and PBS, which Republicans have labeled as biased. It also includes a focus on the United States International Development Agency (USAID), a target in the early stages of the Trump presidency.
Officials within the Trump administration have indicated plans to send additional funding requests to Congress if the initial package is successful, viewing it as a crucial “test run” for the party.
The request, first introduced by the White House, called for a $9.4 billion reduction in federal funds previously authorized by Congress, including $8.3 billion for USAID and foreign aid alongside $1 billion for public broadcasting.
However, the White House agreed to exclude the AIDS Relief Emergency Plan (PEPFAR), established in 2003 under George W. Bush.
Additionally, Republicans mentioned reaching an agreement with the administration to safeguard tribal bureaus from cuts affecting public broadcasting.
Support for the entire package has been strong among Republicans in both chambers, who argue that these cuts have taken too long. Many party members have long questioned foreign aid funding, criticizing public radio for its perceived political bias.
Still, resistance emerged from Senate GOP budgeters earlier this week, with skeptics criticizing the administration’s attempt to bypass the typical spending process, especially when compared to past rescue requests approved under President George H.W. Bush, voicing concerns over a lack of information.
Susan Collins, the Senate Approval Speaker from Maine, specifically called for a $2.5 billion reduction in the development support account, which addresses crucial areas like education, sanitation, and food security. Lawmakers, however, noted a significant lack of details on how these programs would be affected.
White House Budget Chief Flussel Vault asserted that the administration had provided about the same amount of detail as in previous retirement packages.
He emphasized that the information offered was consistent with standard budgeting processes and maintained respect for dissenting opinions, though he disagreed with critics.
Some Republicans voiced concerns about the potential erosion of trust between parties as they continue to strengthen annual funding efforts, especially regarding the president’s uncommon methods to enforce previously approved funding.
Vault mentioned that another retirement package could be forthcoming but refrained from providing specifics on which programs might face cuts.
Senate Democrats have expressed apprehension regarding the passage of this retirement package, fearing further initiatives from the Trump administration that rely solely on GOP votes.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer remarked earlier this month that passing this package would represent a setback for bipartisan efforts in spending.
He noted that many Senate Republicans expect Democrats to treat the process as business as usual, claiming it’s unreasonable to attempt a bipartisan approach while pursuing purely partisan bills that compromise program integrity.
In a related discussion, Vault insisted that the annual spending process isn’t bipartisan and reminded that while Congress holds the financial power, it’s often seen as a ceiling rather than a floor, implying a need to avoid excessive spending.
Democratic Senator Patty Murray, part of the Senate Budget Committee, responded by asserting that they have the financial power to stand firm against the administration’s erosion of that authority.
With less than 20 legislative days remaining before the government shutdown deadline on September 30, both chambers are falling behind in advancing the annual funding bill.
However, it’s still unclear how this will unfold. When questioned about discussions on a potential short-term funding extension, House Majority Leader Steve Scalise stated they hadn’t engaged in those talks yet.
He expressed hope that the budgeting process would work effectively, especially as the Senate appears to have finally begun moving the bill forward.
