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San Francisco Chronicle
21 minutes ago
- Business
- San Francisco Chronicle
Senate votes to move ahead with Trump's request for $9 billion in spending cuts
WASHINGTON (AP) — Senate Republicans on Tuesday advanced President Donald Trump's request to cancel some $9 billion in previously approved spending, overcoming concerns from some lawmakers about what the rescissions could mean for impoverished people around the globe and for public radio and television stations in their home states. The Senate vote was 50-50, with Vice President JD Vance breaking the tie. A final vote in the Senate could occur as early as Wednesday. The bill would then return to the House for another vote before it would go to Trump's desk for his signature before a Friday deadline. Republicans winnowed down the president's request by taking out his proposed $400 million cut to a program known as PEPFAR. That change increased the prospects for the bill's passage. The politically popular program is credited with saving millions of lives since its creation under then-President George W. Bush to combat HIV/AIDS. The president is also looking to claw back money for foreign aid programs targeted by his Department of Government Efficiency and for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. 'When you've got a $36 trillion debt, we have to do something to get spending under control," said Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D. Republicans met with Russ Vought, the director of the White House Office of Management and Budget, during their weekly conference luncheon as the White House worked to address their concerns. He fielded about 20 questions from senators. The White House campaign to win over potential holdouts had some success. Sen. Mike Rounds, R-S.D., tweeted that he would vote to support the measure after working with the administration to 'find Green New Deal money that could be reallocated to continue grants to tribal radio stations without interruption.' Some senators worried that the cuts to public media could decimate many of the 1,500 local radio and television stations around the country that rely on some federal funding to operate. The Corporation for Public Broadcasting distributes more than 70% of its funding to those stations. Maine Sen. Susan Collins, the Republican chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, said she was particularly concerned about a lack of specifics from the White House. 'The rescissions package has a big problem — nobody really knows what program reductions are in it," Collins said. 'That isn't because we haven't had time to review the bill. Instead, the problem is that OMB has never provided the details that would normally be part of this process.' Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, said she didn't want the Senate to be going through numerous rounds of rescissions. 'We are lawmakers. We should be legislating,' Murkowski said. 'What we're getting now is a direction from the White House and being told: 'This is the priority and we want you to execute on it. We'll be back with you with another round.' I don't accept that.' Sen. Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., Collins and Murkowski joined with Democrats in voting against the Senate taking up the measure. McConnell said he wanted to make clear he didn't have any problem with reducing spending, but agreed with Collins that lawmakers didn't have enough details from the White House. 'They would like a blank check is what they would like. And I don't think that's appropriate," McConnell said. But the large majority of Republicans were supportive of Trump's request. 'This bill is a first step in a long but necessary fight to put our nation's fiscal house in order," said Sen. Eric Schmitt, R-Mo. Democrats warn of the consequences Democrats warned that it's absurd to expect them to work with Republicans on bipartisan spending measures if Republicans turn around a few months later and use their majority to cut the parts they don't like. 'It shreds the appropriations process,' said Sen. Angus King, an independent from Maine who caucuses with Democrats. 'The Appropriations Committee, and indeed this body, becomes a rubber stamp for whatever the administration wants.' Democratic leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., said that tens of millions of Americans rely on local public radio and television stations for local news, weather alerts and educational programs. He warned that many could lose access to that information because of the rescissions. 'And these cuts couldn't come at a worse time,' Schumer said. "The floods in Texas remind us that speedy alerts and up-to-the-minute forecasts can mean the difference between life and death.' Democrats also scoffed at the GOP's stated motivation for taking up the bill. The amount of savings pales compared to the $3.4 trillion in projected deficits over the next decade that Republicans put in motion in passing Trump's big tax and spending cut bill two weeks ago. 'Now, Republicans are pretending they are concerned about the debt," said Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash. 'So concerned that they need to shut down local radio stations, so concerned they are going to cut off 'Sesame Street.' ... The idea that that is about balancing the debt is laughable.' What's ahead in the Senate With Republicans providing enough votes to take up the bill, it sets up the potential for 10 hours of debate plus votes on scores of potentially thorny amendments in what is known as a vote-a-rama. The House has already shown its support for the president's request with a mostly party line 214-212 vote, but since the Senate is amending the bill, it will have to go back to the House for another vote. Republicans who vote against the measure also face the prospect of incurring Trump's wrath. He has issued a warning on his social media site directly aimed at individual Senate Republicans who may be considering voting against the rescissions package. He said it was important that all Republicans adhere to the bill and in particular defund the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. 'Any Republican that votes to allow this monstrosity to continue broadcasting will not have my support or Endorsement,' he said.
The Hill
5 hours ago
- Business
- The Hill
PEPFAR survives rescissions
Sen. Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.) and Office of Management and Budget Director Russ Vought told reporters that the White House agreed with a plan to change the rescissions package with a substitute amendment that would exempt the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) from being cut. 'It's substantially the same package and the Senate has to work its will and we've appreciated the work along the way to get to a place where they've got the votes,' Vought said. 'There is a substitute amendment that does not include the PEPFAR rescission and we're fine with that.' Trump had requested that $900 million be clawed back from PEPFAR. If the substitute amendment is adopted, the size of the initial $9.4 billion request would be narrowed to $9 billion, Vought said Tuesday. Senate Appropriations Chair Susan Collins (R-Maine) repeatedly stated her desire to remove PEPFAR from the package. Other GOP appropriators maintained their support for the program but didn't say whether it was a deal breaker. 'This is progress,' Collins told reporters about saving PEPFAR. But she added Vought did not give a clear enough explanation about what programs he wanted to 'save' and the specifics about what programs are being cut. 'It's unclear to me how you get to $9 billion,' Collins said. 'We still have the problem of not having detailed account information from OMB.' The amendment means the House will have to vote again on the legislation. House Republicans had pressed for the Senate not to change the bill. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R) told reporters Tuesday there had been 'a lot of interest' in preserving PEPFAR funding among his conference, adding that he hopes the House will accept 'that one small modification.'
USA Today
6 hours ago
- Sport
- USA Today
1 49ers draft pick unsigned as rookies report to training camp
It's been a long offseason, but NFL teams are back in the building this week for the start of training camp, and for the San Francisco 49ers, they welcomed their rookies to their SAP Performance Facility next to Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California, on Tuesday. While the 49ers are ready to fully kick off camp when veterans arrive Tuesday, July 22, they still have some business to take care of, including rookie defensive lineman Alfred Collins' contract. Entering training camp, Collins is the team's lone unsigned draft pick of their 11-player class, but following a fascinating trend around the league, he's one of 30 second-round picks in the 2025 NFL draft that have yet to put pen to paper. Collins, 23, was a five-star recruit out of Cedar Creek High School in Cedar Creek, Texas, before committing to the University of Texas ahead of the 2020 season. In five years with the Longhorns, he appeared in 64 games, recording 141 tackles (18 for a loss), 12 passes defensed, seven sacks, two forced fumbles and an interception. He also earned All-SEC and All-American honors in 2024. At this point, Collins isn't considered a holdout, considering he's not under contract. However, when he does eventually sign, he'll be competing for a top spot in the interior of San Francisco's defensive line along with veterans Jordan Elliott and Kevin Givens and 2025 fourth-round pick C.J. West. Missing time in training camp could keep him from taking on an important role, especially early in the season. If the 49ers are looking to get Collins locked in sooner rather than later, they should be offering more guaranteed money, as that seems to be the holdup for these second-round rookie deals. The only second-round picks from the 2025 NFL draft to sign their deals thus far are Houston Texans wide receiver and Cleveland Browns linebacker Carson Schwesinger, who both received fully guaranteed entry-level contracts earlier this offseason. More 49ers: Second-year 49ers WR identified as a breakout candidate ahead of 2025 season
Chicago Tribune
9 hours ago
- Politics
- Chicago Tribune
Commissioner Jim Biggs doesn't show at council meeting as controversy continues over dispatch
Porter County Commissioner Jim Biggs was placed on the agenda to speak at Monday's Chesterton Town Council meeting, but didn't show to the disappointment of council members. Chesterton town council members said that Biggs twice was publicly invited in particular to discuss his statements about the Chesterton/Porter joint dispatch center after the June 18 officer-involved shooting in front of the Hilton Inn on Gateway Boulevard. Joseph P. Gerber, 45, died from a self-inflicted wound after exchanging several gunshots with two Chesterton police officers, wounding one of them. But Biggs said in a statement issued to the Post-Tribune that he 'was never formally invited through email, phone call, or written letter to attend this meeting.' 'Furthermore, no town official has approached me with an invitation to attend this meeting. It was only through a newspaper article, and a Facebook post did I learn that I had been added to the agenda. Lastly, it does our public and the concern for officer safety an injustice to attend and be subjected to more petty personal attacks in order to deflect from the real issue at hand,' Biggs said. Council President Sharon Darnell, D-4th, said that she and Councilwoman Erin Collins, D-2nd, had attended a news conference Biggs held on July 1 and spoke to him afterward. She said that Biggs stated his most pointed issue was to be able to discuss 'freely and openly' the county E911 center and the Chesterton/Porter joint dispatch. 'I am not a person who likes to meet anywhere but in a public forum,' Darnell said. 'Maybe we'll figure something else out, but that's the only way we're going to figure this whole thing out. We're not going to do it in a closed room.' Collins said that Biggs was invited twice by the council to appear. 'I think it was an opportunity for Commissioner Biggs to address the very people that he was elected to represent and serve. His absence tonight is a disservice to them and to the spirit of transparency and accountability in local government,' Collins said. Biggs lives in Chesterton and is the commissioner who represents northern Porter County. He is the president of that board. Collins said that at some point, the town and the county should have a meeting. 'They must take place in public. Not behind closed doors, not through political press conferences and certainly not by exploiting a tragedy to advance a narrative.' Collins said. Collins said the council stands firm in its call for the resignation of Debby Gunn as the E-911 administrator 'for repeated unprofessional conduct and false and misleading public statements.' Gunn contended there was a nearly five-minute delay in the request for an ambulance to the officer, an allegation that was staunchly denied by the town of Chesterton. On the morning of the shooting, Biggs contacted the Post-Tribune and noted that it was time for the Chesterton/Porter dispatch to join the county's E-911 system and that an increase in the county law enforcement tax was needed to cover it. Councilman James Ton, R-1st, said that Chesterton adheres to the standards of the Shared Ethics Advisory Commission and should a meeting occur, the town is committed to 'civility and transparency'. 'I haven't witnessed this in some discussions of this in the past,' Ton said. Biggs, in his statement to the Post-Tribune Monday, said as a resident, some might have the same questions about why Chesterton and Porter would continue to want to have a separate dispatch center. The commissioner listed several questions which included: why in a police emergency is a caller required to speak to two different dispatchers in two location; if the E911 center handles all medical and fire calls, aren't they good enough to handle police calls; if the E911 center is good enough to dispatch police for every other municipality, why isn't it good enough for Chesterton and Porter; and do the residents receive any money outside of Chesterton and Porter taxpayers' dollars to fund the separate dispatch center. 'If the residents of Chesterton and Porter have more questions concerning this issue, I, as their commissioner, would be happy to facilitate a forum of non-biased public safety officials to provide answers,' Biggs said. 'It is true that Chesterton and Porter are under no obligation to consolidate now or ever. This is also true from the county's perspective. As things now stand, this will continue to be the financial responsibility and public safety liability for the governing bodies and law enforcement leadership of both towns.' Chesterton Police Chief Tim Richardson said he did receive an email from Gunn two days ago, asking if he and Porter Police Chief Dan Dickey would want to sit down with her to speak about how to make the operation between the two dispatch centers more efficient. Richardson said that if the meeting occurs, he wants to have his council liaison, who is Ton, attend. Jennifer Klug, a Porter resident, said that she believes the towns should keep their joint dispatch center. 'I don't appreciate Mr. Biggs or Ms. Gunn saying some of the things they did in public. I think that it's not only unprofessional, but I think in a situation like that, people have to stand together and work on something,' Klug said.
Yahoo
13 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Senate to move on Trump request to cut foreign aid, public media funding
Washington — The Senate could move forward as soon as Tuesday on a request from the White House to claw back $9.4 billion in funds for international aid and public broadcasting as Congress faces a Friday deadline to act. In what's known as a rescissions package, the White House in June requested that Congress cancel billions in funding that had previously been approved for spending, starting the clock on a process that gives lawmakers 45 days to act. The move seeks to make permanent some of the Department of Government Efficiency's spending cuts, with the package's primary focus being slashing foreign aid. But it would also effectively cut off federal funding for NPR and PBS. Senate Majority Leader John Thune, a South Dakota Republican, said he hoped to hold the first procedural votes Tuesday, though he was still having conversations with some members who are resistant to pulling back all of the funding. Last month, the House approved the request, overcoming opposition from all Democrats and four Republicans. The rescissions package The rescissions request would cut $8.3 billion for the United States Agency for International Development, or USAID, along with other international assistance programs — from peacekeeping efforts to refugee assistance and climate projects. Also included in the package is a proposed $1.1 billion in cuts for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, the private nonprofit that serves as the steward of the funding to NPR and PBS. The White House has targeted the entities, claiming they have "spread radical, woke propaganda disguised as 'news.'" But some Senate Republicans have opposed components of the package, like cuts to a program aimed at combating HIV and AIDS globally. Started by former President George W. Bush, the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, or PEPFAR, has been credited for saving millions of lives around the world. Sen. Susan Collins, a Maine Republican, told reporters last week that she wants to strike the PEPFAR rescissions, saying, "I can't imagine why we would want to terminate that program." Collins, the chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, pushed back when Office of Management and Budget Director Russell Vought testified to the panel in June that "no lifesaving treatment will be impacted by this rescissions package" and that "anyone currently receiving lifesaving treatment will continue to receive that treatment." "When you look at PEPFAR, you are eliminating a lot of the prevention programs," Collins said, also questioning whether the package would harm efforts to prevent the spread of tuberculosis, polio and malaria and what effects it would have on maternal and child health programs that help feed malnourished children. "Those are all programs that have been proven effective." "These are not only the right thing to do for humanitarian reasons, but they're incredible instruments of soft power," Collins said. Others have raised concerns about cuts to local radio and television stations, especially in rural areas where they take on added significance as a means of communicating emergency messages. Sen. Mike Rounds, a South Dakota Republican who also sits on the Appropriations Committee, told reporters last week that he's not comfortable with some of the provisions like cuts to public broadcasting, saying, "That's the reason why we're proposing changes." Rounds pointed to Native American tribes that have a public radio system that relies heavily on funding and would be targeted under the White House proposal, saying Senate Republicans have been working with the Office of Management and Budget to "find a path forward where the funding for those radio stations would be left alone." He added that the goal is not to eliminate a number of the provisions within the rescissions package, but "specifically to take care of those that were in some of these rural areas," pointing to stations in South Dakota, North Dakota, Montana and Alaska. Thune said Monday that there were ongoing discussions about an amendment process on the rescissions package. "I'm hoping that as we get on that bill we can see some savings achieved that will complement the things we already accomplished in reconciliation," Thune said last week, referencing the massive tax and spending package that Congress approved earlier this month. Amending the package would mean the House would have to sign off on the changes. And with the Friday deadline, time is running out to do so before the request expires. House Speaker Mike Johnson, a Louisiana Republican, said Monday he hopes the Senate sticks with the House-approved package. "I think you've got to respect the White House's request, and that's what we did," Johnson said. In the Senate, rescissions bills are not subject to the 60-vote threshold needed to advance most legislation, requiring only a simple majority. But with just 53 Republicans, Senate GOP leaders can only afford to lose a handful of their members to approve the package. President Trump weighed in on the rescissions push late last week, saying in a post on Truth Social that it's "very important that all Republicans adhere to my Recissions Bill," citing the public broadcasting cuts in particular. The president warned that any Republican who doesn't support the clawback in funding "will not have my support or Endorsement." Meanwhile, the rescissions push has sparked frustration among Democrats, who have little ability to stand in its way. But an upcoming spending fight is another story. Democrats have begun suggesting that the GOP effort to claw back already approved congressional funds could have an impact on their willingness to work across the aisle on government funding down the road. Each year, Congress approves funding to keep the federal government running before the funds are disbursed to government agencies and programs. The rescissions process allows Congress to cancel funds that the federal government has not yet spent. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer warned about the upcoming rescissions push in a letter to his colleagues upon the return from the Fourth of July recess, arguing that the package's passage "would be an affront to the bipartisan appropriations process." The New York Democrat called it "absurd" for the GOP to expect Democrats to engage in a bipartisan appropriations process that could be undermined by rescissions. "Republicans are, in effect, proposing Congress negotiate bipartisan deals in the Committee room, while they retreat to a backroom to rubberstamp President Trump's purely partisan scheme that only needs a simple majority to pass to tear up those very same agreements," Schumer wrote. In response, Thune said on the Senate floor last week that he was "disappointed" to see Schumer "implicitly threaten to shut down the government," while adding that he's "hopeful that that is not the position" of Senate Democrats. When asked by reporters about the possibility of a shutdown, Schumer said, "Ask the Republicans why they are heading on this path.""We are doing everything we can to keep the bipartisan appropriations process going, and they're undermining it with rescissions," Schumer added. Sen. Lindsey Graham says "a turning point regarding Russia's invasion of Ukraine is coming" Trump pushes senators to make $9.4 trillion in spending cuts Student's unique talent that's for the birds
