Senate Majority Leader John Thune has secured $9.4 trillion for public broadcasting and global health programs this week, setting the stage for a confrontation with some Republican senators.
Key members of the Senate Appropriations Committee, including Speaker Susan Collins from Maine, are hesitant to cut back on programs already funded through a bipartisan spending bill.
A few senior Republican senators are concerned about empowering the Trump administration, particularly regarding its ability to close agencies like the US International Development Agency or to impose significant tariffs on various domestic trading partners.
“I want to protect funding for Pepfar and maternal and child health, among other global health programs, but I’m unsure how Senator Thune plans to navigate this,” Collins expressed, noting she has not been in the loop about his strategy.
Collins voiced her apprehensions specifically about proposed cuts to public broadcasting funding. “I’ve been vocal about my support for local programs, which receive a substantial portion of the funding. There are popular high school quiz shows and local programming that serve communities like Maine,” she stated.
The pending retirement package that Congress aims to send to Trump by July 18 would cut $8.3 billion from international aid and halt funding for public broadcasting corporations supporting PBS and NPR affiliates for the 2026 fiscal year.
Interestingly, Collins appears more inclined to approve cuts to NPR funding, labeling it as having “a clear partisan bent,” referencing a critical report from a former NPR business editor.
Senator Mike Rounds has indicated he will oppose the package unless it addresses protections for tribal radio stations that are suffering from cuts to public broadcasting. “I’ve made it clear that I won’t support it unless we find a solution,” he stated.
Rounds also pointed out that many states, particularly rural areas, face similar challenges in terms of funding, emphasizing the significance of this issue, which accounts for about 90% of their funding.
He mentioned concerns over potential cuts to the Pepfar program established during the Bush administration. “It’s something that I want to look into further as we go along,” he remarked cautiously.
The last attempt by Trump to push a reinstatement package was in 2018, which failed narrowly in the Senate. Some republicans, including Collins, were among those who voted against that proposal.
Now, Thune is contending with five Republican senators who are hesitant about the bill, while others are remaining silent about their voting intentions regarding this divisive package.
Some GOP senators are frustrated with government inefficiency, worried that cutting funds might empower the administration excessively while constraining Congress’s oversight.
They fear that advancing the $9.4 billion retirement package to Trump could lead to further reductions in funding that the administration has already approved.
“My main concern is that I don’t support the direction of this rescue process,” remarked one anonymous GOP senator. “We’re essentially handing over budgetary decisions without clear information about the expenditures.”
Another apprehension among Republicans is that passing a partisan retirement package could disrupt work on the upcoming annual budget bill.
Democrats have signaled they may block the 2026 spending bill if the Trump administration backtracks on previous funding commitments.
Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer emphasized that the proposal from Republicans is a setback for bipartisan collaboration on budget matters.
Despite holding a 53-47 majority, Thune can only afford to lose three votes from his conference to pass a spending cut package requiring a simple majority.
Senator Lisa Murkowski has echoed the concerns about cutting public broadcasting and global health programs, indicating she is keen to see proposed solutions. “I’ll be watching closely as things develop,” she told reporters.
Senator Jerry Moran has expressed discontent with recent Medicaid cuts but remains undecided on his stance regarding the retirement package. “We’re assessing the situation as it unfolds,” he mentioned.
Similarly, Senator Shelley Moore Capito is taking a cautious approach regarding the retirement package, indicating her support but also highlighting the need to review the specifics. “We’re in discussions. I’m supportive, but it’s crucial to see the details,” she concluded.
