House Conservatives Weigh In on Senate’s Spending Cuts Package

In a significant development, some House fiscal conservatives are cautiously preparing to accept the Senate’s $9 billion spending cuts package. This package, passed by the Senate overnight, is known as a rescissions package. It involves spending cuts requested by the White House for funds that Congress has already appropriated for the current fiscal year. The House of Representatives must pass this bill by Friday to ensure its implementation.

Understanding the Rescissions Package Process

The rescissions package process allows Republicans to bypass Democrats by lowering the Senate’s threshold for passage from 60 votes to 51. However, this request must be considered within a 45-day window; otherwise, the funds must be re-obligated. This strategic maneuver is crucial for Republicans aiming to implement spending cuts without requiring a supermajority.

Key Support from House Conservatives

As of Thursday morning, at least three conservative representatives—Chip Roy from Texas, Tim Burchett from Tennessee, and Ralph Norman from South Carolina—have indicated their inclination to support the package. This support is vital for House GOP leaders who are navigating a narrow three-vote margin. Earlier in the week, a group of House conservatives urged the Senate not to alter any part of the original $9.4 billion spending cuts package, although they did not threaten to vote against it.

Senate Adjustments and Potential Impact

The Senate version of the bill made a minor adjustment by rolling back a spending cut for an HIV/AIDS research program in Africa. This change was prompted by concerns from Senate Appropriations Committee Chair Susan Collins and others. Despite this modification, it is unlikely to provoke significant opposition, especially after receiving approval from the White House. The bill passed with a 51-48 vote, with Senators Collins and Lisa Murkowski voting against it.

Implications for GOP Leadership and Future Steps

With all Democrats in both chambers poised to oppose the legislation, Republican leaders must secure every possible vote. Representative Roy expressed his support for the bill on the House floor if he correctly understands what the Senate passed. Burchett and Norman also indicated their readiness to back the bill.

Potential Budgetary Impact

The proposed bill aims to cut approximately $8 billion from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and $1 billion from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, which provides federal grants to NPR and PBS. The bill is expected to be reviewed by the House Rules Committee on Thursday before proceeding to a full chamber vote. If passed by the House on Thursday or Friday, it will be sent to President Donald Trump for his signature.