July 16, 2025 - The Senate voted 51-50 on Tuesday to begin debate on President Donald Trump's proposal to cancel $9 billion in federal funding, with Vice President JD Vance casting the tie-breaking vote to overcome Republican opposition.
The procedural vote to advance the bill came after Republican Senators Susan Collins of Maine, Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, and Mitch McConnell of Kentucky joined Democrats in opposition. The legislation seeks to claw back $7.9 billion earmarked for international aid to combat famine and disease and $1.1 billion from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, which includes the CPB Funding for KZYX.
To secure enough support, Senate Majority Leader John Thune of South Dakota stripped a controversial cut to the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) from the package earlier in the day. The move was seen as a key concession to moderate Republicans.
The bill now faces up to 10 hours of debate, scheduled to begin Wednesday morning, followed by a final vote. If it passes the Senate, the legislation must return to the House for approval before a midnight deadline on Friday, or the administration will be required to release the funds.