Senate to Vote on Public Broadcasting Cuts

Next week, the Republican-controlled U.S. Senate will vote on President Donald Trump’s proposal to cut $9.4 billion in foreign aid and public broadcasting funding, setting the stage for a clash with Democrats that could disrupt annual budget negotiations. 

Reuters reports Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) indicated the vote could occur as early as Tuesday, stating, “It’ll have to be fairly early in the week, probably Tuesday.”

The Senate faces a July 18 deadline to act on the rescissions package, which seeks to cancel previously approved congressional funding. If it expires, the White House must follow existing spending plans. 

Historically, standalone rescissions have failed, as Congress guards its constitutional authority over spending—evidenced by the rejection of Trump’s $15 billion cut proposal in 2018. However, with narrow Republican majorities in both chambers, opposition to Trump’s agenda is limited. Last week, Congress passed Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill,” funding his domestic priorities, cutting taxes, and potentially reducing healthcare coverage for millions.

The rescissions bill narrowly passed the House (214-212), with four Republicans joining 208 Democrats in opposition. In the Senate, some Republicans are wary of cuts to programs like AIDS relief, global women’s and children’s health, and rural U.S. broadcasters, and amendments are expected to address these concerns. 

Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) warned that the cuts threaten bipartisan budget talks, complicating the passage of spending bills needed by September 30 to avoid a government shutdown. While appropriations bills require 60 votes, the rescissions package needs only 51, allowing Republicans to pass it without Democratic support.

A March 2025 Pew Research Center poll showed 69% of Democrats and Democratic-leaning independents support continued federal funding for NPR and PBS, compared to just 19% of Republicans. Democrats argue that public media’s role in providing balanced news, educational content, and emergency alerts justifies its $1.50 per American annual cost, especially in areas with limited media access.