Congressional Republicans are preparing for a significant challenge in securing the cuts demanded by Trump’s government efficiency initiative (DOGE).
Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) has stated his goal to swiftly transform Trump’s proposal to reduce foreign aid and public broadcasting funding by over $9 billion into House legislation, with the package anticipated to be presented this week.
“We haven’t done this in a while, so this is likely a trial run,” House spending chair Tom Cole (R-Okla) mentioned to reporters.
Last week, Trump submitted a $8.3 billion request for budget cuts targeting the International Development Agency (USAID) and foreign aid, which includes over $1 billion in cuts to the Public Broadcasting (CPB), funding that supports NPR and PBS.
This request initiates a process that enables Republicans to secure funds for various programs proposed for cuts by the administration with just a simple majority in both chambers. This means they won’t need Democratic votes in the Senate as long as the recissions package remains largely intact.
However, it has been decades since Congress agreed to such a request to retract funds that were previously approved. Trump attempted a similar approach to withdraw funding during his initial term but was unsuccessful despite controlling the House, Senate, and White House at that time.
Nonetheless, Republicans are optimistic that the outcome will be different this time.
“I’ve done this before, and I think they have a strong team,” Cole commented. “It seems to me that they are stepping in with more certainty. There’s no question that the president holds significantly more influence within the Republican Party compared to his first term,” he added.
Despite the enthusiasm, some Republicans have raised concerns regarding certain requests.
Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Susan Collins (R-Maine) recently voiced her opposition to cutting the president’s emergency plan for AIDS relief (Pepfar), mentioning that she sees “no basis for these cuts.”
“Considering Pepfar’s remarkable success in saving lives—it has literally saved millions—I don’t support any reductions,” she stated.
Additionally, several Republicans are not pleased with the proposed cuts to public broadcasting that aim to remove $535 million in both 2026 and 2027.
“In rural America, public television plays a crucial role, providing access to emergency broadcasts and other essential services,” said Mike Simpson (R-Idaho). “I enjoy public television in Idaho, and I appreciate the organizations involved. I don’t see the political bias some claim they represent.”
Despite his concerns, Simpson plans to support the overall package. “In the long term, I don’t believe these reductions will have lasting negative impacts on them.”
“What’s concerning them is the spending process for the upcoming year,” he elaborated.
The DOGE website estimates a total of $180 billion in savings since June 3rd through various measures like asset sales, contracts, cancellations, renegotiations, fraud elimination, subsidy cuts, and workforce reductions.
Additionally, Chief Russell from the White House budget hinted that more specific requests might come in to further limit DOGE cuts, especially as the administration’s ongoing efforts to streamline government face court challenges during this week’s budget hearing.
However, he emphasized that passing this initial cut package is “very important,” stating, “If successful, it could warrant further efforts and an additional package.”
“We are very keen to see the House and Senate’s reactions on voting,” Vought remarked, noting, “I’m in the Senate, so I’m not overly concerned about the House.”
Some Republicans believe they will introduce the package this week. Many view foreign aid and funding for outlets like PBS and NPR as crucial but often criticize them for perceived political bias.
In a statement advocating for the package, House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-La.) labeled the president’s demands as “$9.4 billion in wasted spending,” asserting that “bureaucrats are failing the American people.”
This package seeks to redirect funds to areas like immigration and refugee assistance, advocating for sharing responsibilities more equitably with non-U.S. donors.
It also proposes cutting funding for the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the United Nations Development Programme, the United Nations Population Fund, the World Health Organization, and portions of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees.
In contrast, Democrats have strongly opposed the plan, accusing Trump of pursuing political revenge and undermining vital foreign aid initiatives.
They have also signaled the potential for tension when both parties look to negotiate a funding agreement for 2026.
Sen. Patty Murray, the leading Democrat on the Senate Appropriations Committee from Washington, asserted this week, “They will require Democratic votes.”
Republicans also expressed dissatisfaction with how the administration has handled annual budget preparations, as lawmakers from both parties have pushed the White House for clarity on budget plans over the past few weeks.
“Given where we stand, the current stopgap funding situation is not sustainable,” stated Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), a senior budget member. “We lack a substantial spending plan, leading the administration to retract their priorities and shift them onto Congress. Our role is crucial.”
Source: thehill.com