Murkowski opposes Trump’s $9 billion spending cuts as Senate advances rescissions package by a razor-thin margin

The Senate moved a step closer Tuesday to approving President Donald Trump’s proposal to rescind $9.4 billion in federal funding, advancing the measure by the narrowest of margins after Vice President JD Vance cast the tie-breaking vote.

The bill, pushed by the White House and the Department of Government Efficiency under Elon Musk, would cancel $8.3 billion in foreign aid and $1.1 billion in funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. It represents some of Trump’s effort to scale back federal spending, particularly on programs the administration has characterized as non-essential or misaligned with “America First” priorities.

Three Republican senators — Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, Susan Collins of Maine, and Mitch McConnell of Kentucky — broke with their party, voting against moving the bill out of committee and to the floor. Their opposition forced the 50-50 split, with Vance casting the decisive vote to advance the legislation.

Murkowski has been among the most vocal critics of the bill within the Republican caucus, focusing on the potential impact to rural communities in Alaska. Alaska’s widespread use of public broadcasting for news has been a key point of contention, although in this century there are many alternatives.

The Senate’s next procedural hurdle is a vote to begin formal debate. That also requires 51 votes. GOP leadership remains cautiously optimistic but is contending with lingering concerns from several Republican senators who have not publicly committed to supporting the package.

Under the fast-track rescissions process, the legislation must be approved by both chambers of Congress within 45 days of the president’s formal request, which puts the deadline at midnight on Friday, July 18.

The House narrowly passed the bill in June by a 214-212 vote, and would need to reconvene to approve any changes made by the Senate.

Senate Republicans can only afford to lose three votes without relying on Vice President Vance. Any additional defections would likely doom the bill, requiring the White House to release the funds as originally appropriated.