President Trump’s bid to claw back $9.3 billion in previously approved federal spending is facing resistance from Senate Republicans, putting his “rescission” strategy at risk and highlighting internal party divisions over fiscal authority.
At a Glance
- The House passed a rescission package on June 12 to reclaim $9.4 billion—mainly from foreign aid and public broadcasting—with narrow GOP support
- Senate Republicans are signaling they may alter or block the cuts, particularly regarding foreign aid and domestic broadcasting programs
- If the Senate does not approve the cuts by July 18, the funds remain intact under existing spending plans
- Rescission proposals are rare and challenge Congress’s traditional budget authority under the Impoundment Control Act
- Concerns include global health impacts (like PEPFAR), support for local media, and preserving legislative control over spending
Senate Skepticism on Key Cuts
Although the House narrowly approved the rescission package, support in the Senate is uncertain. Senate Majority Whip John Thune has acknowledged that the measure needs further review and potential revisions before consideration. Senator Ron Johnson, a noted fiscal conservative, pushed for broader deficit reductions, cautioning against what he called a “piecemeal clawback” without systemic cuts. According to Reuters, several Senate Republicans appear unwilling to rubber-stamp the proposal without changes.
Foreign Aid and Public Media Under Scrutiny
The proposed rollback targets about $8.3 billion in foreign assistance and $1.1 billion for public broadcasting. Critics argue the cuts would imperil life-saving programs like PEPFAR, which combats HIV/AIDS globally, and destabilize local news outlets reliant on federal funding. Lawmakers from rural and underserved areas have voiced concern about weakening public media that plays a key role in delivering emergency alerts and civic information, as noted by Vox.
Legislative Control and Executive Limits
Trump’s use of the Impoundment Control Act to seek congressional approval for rescissions spotlights an ongoing power struggle between the executive and legislative branches. While the law permits presidents to propose spending cuts, Congress holds final authority—and past attempts, including Trump’s 2018 proposal to rescind $15 billion, have failed to pass the Senate. As reported by The Washington Post, several Republicans are wary of setting a precedent that weakens congressional control over budgetary decisions.
What’s Next
Senate Republicans have until July 18 to approve the cuts; otherwise, the $9.3 billion remains in place. The standoff reflects broader GOP tensions—between deficit hawks and those protecting key programs—and raises constitutional questions about executive rescission power. For Trump, a Senate rebuff would mark a significant setback in reshaping fiscal policy through unilateral spending reversals.
