Senate Republicans are facing internal disagreements over President Donald Trump’s proposed $9.4 billion rescissions package, which aims to significantly reduce funding for foreign aid and public broadcasting. The package, which has already passed the House, proposes cutting $8.3 billion from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and over $1 billion from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB). However, some Senate Republicans are expressing concerns about the potential impact of these cuts.

The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), established under Trump’s administration, has been praised by many Republicans for its efforts to eliminate waste and fraud in federal spending. Despite this, there is growing unease among certain GOP senators regarding specific reductions, particularly those affecting the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and public broadcasting funds.

Senators Susan Collins of Maine, Mike Rounds of South Dakota, and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska have publicly voiced their reservations about the proposed cuts. Murkowski has emphasized her support for the CPB and health programs, while Collins has raised concerns about the impact on PEPFAR during a recent hearing with White House officials. Rounds is particularly worried about the implications for rural radio stations that serve Native American communities in his state.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune has indicated plans to introduce an amendment process to address these concerns before bringing the package to a vote. This process is expected to involve a lengthy session of amendments, similar to previous legislative efforts. If any amendments are made, the bill will need to return to the House before reaching President Trump’s desk.

Senator Markwayne Mullin of Oklahoma has expressed optimism that Republican leadership can resolve many of these issues before the vote-a-rama begins. Meanwhile, Senator John Kennedy of Louisiana has challenged his colleagues to support the spending cuts, arguing that they represent a small fraction of the national budget.

As the Senate prepares for this critical vote, GOP members must decide whether to support or oppose the proposed cuts, balancing fiscal responsibility with potential impacts on essential programs.