Vice President J.D. Vance cast two critical tie-breaking votes this week to push forward a sweeping $9.4 billion rescissions package in the U.S. Senate. The package includes major cuts to public broadcasting and foreign aid, sparking sharp debate across party lines.
The Senate was deadlocked 50-50 on two procedural motions to begin debate on the legislation, requiring Vice President Vance’s votes to move the bill forward. The proposal, previously passed by the House, was introduced at the request of the White House as part of a broader effort to reduce federal spending.
Among the most controversial provisions is a plan to eliminate $1.1 billion in funding to the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB), which supports PBS and NPR.
The bill also rescinds $8.3 billion earmarked for the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), drawing concern from lawmakers on both sides of the aisle.
