Senate Majority Leader John Thune was spotted at the Capitol on July 9. Senate Republicans are working on a $9.4 billion spending cuts package proposed by President Donald Trump, aiming to pass it by a Friday deadline. Following a meeting with White House budget director Russell Vought, they decided to remove around $400 million in cuts to PEPFAR, a foreign aid program combating HIV/AIDS. This change was made to secure the majority vote needed for Senate approval, as some Republicans opposed these cuts. The Senate is set to hold a key vote on the package on Tuesday evening, with hopes of passing it through a filibuster-proof process. The bill may need to go through the House again before reaching the president’s desk. The package primarily targets foreign aid, including a $1.1 billion cut to the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. Some Republicans have raised concerns about the impact on rural broadcasting, prompting negotiations to address funding for stations on Native American reservations. If the Senate fails to pass the package within the 45-day deadline, the White House plans to resume spending the funds. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer has criticized the proposed cuts, warning of challenges in achieving bipartisan support.
He mentioned that they aim to reach a funding agreement this autumn. Schumer stated on Tuesday that Democrats remain committed to maintaining bipartisan cooperation on budgetary matters. “We are making every effort possible to ensure the bipartisan appropriations process continues,” Schumer affirmed.
