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

Virginia senators voted against $9 billion in federal spending cuts, including deep reductions in public broadcasting and foreign aid, passed early Thursday by the Senate.

Democratic Sens. Tim Kaine and Mark Warner were among 48 lawmakers who opposed the legislation, one of President Donald Trump’s key priorities. The bill 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.

Kaine and Warner released a joint statement following the vote, saying the cuts will make it harder for communities to access critical emergency alerts during disasters, and create more instability around the world by defunding initiatives that protect national security.

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

The Associated Press contributed reporting.