VP J.D. Vance Casts Tie-Breaking Votes to Advance $9.4B Spending Cut Bill

Vice President J.D. Vance cast two tie-breaking votes in the Senate this week to advance a $9.4 billion rescissions package aimed at reducing federal spending. With the Senate split 50-50 on two procedural motions, Vance’s intervention allowed formal debate to begin on the legislation, which has already passed the House.

The package—requested by the White House—includes controversial cuts, most notably $1.1 billion from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB), which funds NPR and PBS, and $8.3 billion from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). These cuts have sparked bipartisan opposition.

Republican Senators Mitch McConnell, Lisa Murkowski, and Susan Collins joined Democrats in voting against the motion. Sen. Collins criticized the bill’s lack of transparency, citing concerns that the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) had not detailed the real-world impact. “These cuts could have serious consequences,” she warned, particularly for global aid programs that provide education, clean water, and food security.

In response to growing concern, Senate leaders are considering revisions. Senate Majority Leader John Thune indicated that $400 million in proposed cuts to the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) might be reversed. Adjustments could reduce the total rescissions to around $9 billion while protecting key health initiatives.

The Senate will now debate amendments before a final vote. If passed, the updated bill will return to the House for reconciliation, keeping the spotlight on deep divisions over domestic and foreign aid funding.