Budget reconciliation test vote splits GOP on foreign operations cuts

The Senate considered a Trump-backed rescissions package in mid-Jul. 2025. Procedural votes were held Jul. 15–17, 2025. The package sought to claw back roughly $9.0–$9.4 billion in unspent federal funds. It targeted foreign assistance and public broadcasting accounts.

Most cuts targeted foreign assistance, totaling about $8.3 billion. The package also sought roughly $1.1 billion in cuts to the Corporation for Public Broadcasting and related accounts. Those figures shifted slightly as negotiators removed some proposed reductions. Supporters said the cuts would free money for domestic priorities and border security.

Senators stripped a proposed $400 million cut to PEPFAR to broaden support. Removing that cut reduced the package from about $9.4 billion to roughly $9.0 billion. The change won support from some moderates but drew criticism from opponents. Advocates warned the measure would still reduce life-saving global HIV funding.

The rescissions moved under the Impoundment Control Act, which allows rescissions by simple majority. That path bypassed the 60-vote filibuster requirement in the Senate. After procedural advancement, The Senate passed the measure 51–48 in mid-Jul. 2025. The close margin reflected narrow GOP control and some Republican defections.