How MN Senators Voted On $9B Bill Cutting Public Broadcasting, Foreign Aid

Only one of Minnesota’s U.S. senators cast a vote against the $9 billion in federal spending cuts approved by the Senate early Thursday. The bill includes steep reductions to public broadcasting and foreign aid.

Sen. Amy Klobuchar voted "no." Sen. Tina Smith also opposed the measure but missed the vote due to illness, her office said.

"This bill that Republicans dragged through the Senate will take funding from public media which is especially crucial in rural areas, cede our leadership on the world stage and undermine future budget agreements," Klobuchar stated.

"This was shortsighted and it is going to hurt the American people."

The legislation, one of President Donald Trump’s key priorities, would have little impact on the nation’s rising debt but could have major ramifications for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting and U.S. food aid internationally.

It also could complicate efforts to pass additional spending bills this year, as Democrats and even some Republicans voice objections to broadly ceding congressional spending power with little idea of how the White House Office of Management and Budget would apply the cuts.

Democrats sought to remove many of the proposed rescissions during the 12 hours of amendment votes. The measure passed on a vote of 51-48 just after 1 a.m. CT. None of the Democratic amendments were adopted.

Republican Sens. Susan Collins of Maine and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska voted against the legislation.

If the House passes the bill, it would go to Trump’s desk for his signature.

The Associated Press contributed reporting.