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

PENNSYLVANIA — Your senators in Pennsylvania split in the vote on $9 billion in federal spending cuts, including deep reductions in public broadcasting and foreign aid, passed early Thursday by the Senate.

Republican Sen. Dave McCormick voted in favor of the bill. Democratic Sen. John Fetterman voted against it.

The legislation, one of President Donald Trump’s key priorities, would have a tiny 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 2 a.m. ET. None of the Democratic amendments were adopted.

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

Fetterman told The Philadelphia Inquirer in a statement that the cuts undermine “the very values of family and education” Republicans claim to champion.

“Mr. Rogers, a Pittsburgh icon, taught us kindness and empathy." he said.

"My wife, Gisele, learned English watching PBS, where Big Bird and Elmo have educated generations of American kids." “As a father, it’s personal, and I can’t understand why we’re even considering taking away this programming for families across the nation.”

McCormick’s office did not respond to a request for comment.

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

The Associated Press contributed reporting.