VP JD Vance Breaks Senate Tie To Advance $9.4 Billion
Vance Breaks Senate Tie on $9.4B Cuts Bill
Vice President J.D. Vance cast two tie-breaking votes in the Senate to advance a $9.4 billion spending cuts package. The bill, requested by the White House, includes deep cuts to public broadcasting and foreign aid, sparking bipartisan criticism.
One major cut is $1.1 billion from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, which supports PBS and NPR. The bill also slashes $8.3 billion from the U.S. Agency for International Development. Senator Susan Collins opposed the bill, saying, “Nobody really knows what program reductions are in it.” She added, “These cuts could have serious consequences.”
Three Republicans—Collins, Mitch McConnell, and Lisa Murkowski—joined Democrats in opposition. Due to pressure, Senate leaders may restore $400 million to global AIDS relief (PEPFAR).
Senator John Thune said, “We want to ensure critical programs like PEPFAR are protected.” A final Senate vote is expected soon, with possible amendments before it returns to the House.
