Chicago – July 15, 2025
Senate Republicans are considering changes to President Donald Trump’s request to cancel $9.4 billion in spending approved by Congress, a move that could lead to challenges ahead of an important vote.
The president wants to take back $1.1 billion from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting and around $8.3 billion from foreign aid programs that help fight famine, disease, and support global stability. Congress has until Friday to pass a bill and send it to the president for approval, or the funds will stay as is.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., said some Republican senators want to make “small changes” to the bill. To pass the package, he needs almost all Republicans to agree, but some senators are concerned about the deep cuts to public media and the global health program PEPFAR, which has helped save millions of lives since it was created under former President George W. Bush.
“We’re trying to figure out how we can get 51 votes and still stay aligned with what the White House proposed,” Thune said. On Tuesday, Republicans were expected to meet with Russ Vought, the head of the White House Office of Management and Budget, to discuss their concerns.
