The spending clawback fight has once again united Senate Republicans behind former President Donald Trump. This time, they pushed forward a $9 billion rescissions package. Vice President JD Vance cast the tie-breaking vote that cleared the last procedural hurdle.
Now, senators face 10 hours of debate. During that time, Democrats plan to strongly oppose the bill. They are expected to criticize its cuts to foreign aid and public broadcasting. Meanwhile, Republicans remain mostly united, though cracks are beginning to show.
The bill passed with near-total GOP support. Only three Republicans—Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, Susan Collins of Maine, and Mitch McConnell of Kentucky—voted no. Every Senate Democrat rejected the bill, adding fuel to the ongoing partisan clash.
Following the debate, the Senate will begin a chaotic vote-a-rama. In this phase, senators from both parties can introduce unlimited amendments. Democrats aim to block or weaken the bill. However, Republicans are expected to offer one major exception.
That GOP amendment would protect around $400 million in funding for the global AIDS relief program known as PEPFAR. The White House and several Republicans support this carveout. Many GOP lawmakers warned they would not back the bill without this fix.
Still, this adjustment could cause friction with the House. Speaker Mike Johnson has warned Senate Republicans not to change the bill. He stands with House fiscal conservatives who want to pass the original package without changes.
So far, they have stopped short of outright rebellion. But they have made clear that any modifications could bring serious consequences. They demand a strict approach to budget cuts and have no interest in compromise.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune remains hopeful. He wants the House to accept the one amendment and avoid delay.
“There was strong interest in fixing PEPFAR,” Thune said. “We hope the House will accept that one small change.”
This spending clawback fight continues to test Republican unity, challenge bipartisan cooperation, and raise tension as Friday’s deadline approaches. Yet even as pressure grows, leaders on both sides prepare for the final vote.
In this intensifying spending clawback fight, the stakes remain high for lawmakers, the White House, and federal programs worldwide.
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