McConnell switches vote on public broadcasting, foreign aid cuts

Published in Health and Fitness on Monday, July 28th 2025 at 13:32 GMT by The Courier-Journal
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A Trump-backed plan to strip federal funds for public broadcasting and foreign aid passed the Senate and returns to the House.

McConnell Breaks Ranks: Votes Against GOP Push to Slash Public Broadcasting and Foreign Aid in Trump-Backed Rescission Bill

In a surprising move that underscores the deepening fissures within the Republican Party, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) voted against a controversial rescission package aimed at cutting funding for public broadcasting and rescinding portions of previously approved foreign aid. The bill, strongly endorsed by former President Donald Trump, sought to redirect billions of dollars from what proponents called "wasteful spending" back into domestic priorities, but McConnell's opposition highlighted his longstanding commitment to certain international alliances and institutional funding streams. The vote, which took place on July 17, 2025, in the U.S. Senate, failed to pass, dealing a blow to the more isolationist wing of the GOP and raising questions about McConnell's influence in a party increasingly shaped by Trump's America First agenda.

The rescission package, formally known as the Budget Rescission Act of 2025, was introduced by a coalition of conservative senators aligned with Trump's vision for fiscal conservatism. At its core, the bill targeted approximately $500 million in annual funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB), which supports PBS, NPR, and other public media outlets. Proponents argued that these entities have become politicized, promoting what they described as "left-leaning narratives" that do not align with taxpayer interests. Trump himself amplified this sentiment on his social media platform, Truth Social, posting, "Time to defund the fake news factories like PBS and NPR. They're not public; they're propaganda machines for the radical left. My rescission bill will save billions and put America First!"

Beyond public broadcasting, the bill proposed rescinding $10 billion in unspent foreign aid allocations, including funds earmarked for Ukraine, Israel, and various humanitarian programs in the Middle East and Africa. This move was framed as a response to what bill sponsors called "endless wars and foreign giveaways," echoing Trump's campaign rhetoric from his 2024 presidential run. Supporters, including Sens. J.D. Vance (R-Ohio) and Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), contended that the U.S. should prioritize domestic issues like border security and infrastructure over international commitments. "We're not the world's piggy bank anymore," Vance said during floor debates. "This rescission is about reclaiming our sovereignty and focusing on American workers."

McConnell's decision to vote against the package was not entirely unexpected to those familiar with his record, but it still sent shockwaves through Capitol Hill. As a veteran senator with decades of experience, McConnell has consistently advocated for robust foreign aid as a tool of American diplomacy and national security. His opposition to the rescission of aid to Ukraine, in particular, stems from his vocal support for Kyiv in its ongoing conflict with Russia. In a statement following the vote, McConnell emphasized the strategic importance of these funds: "Weakening our commitments to allies at a time of global instability is not conservatism; it's recklessness. Public broadcasting, while not perfect, plays a vital role in educating our citizens and fostering informed debate. Cutting these resources blindly serves no one."

This stance places McConnell at odds with the ascendant MAGA faction within the GOP, which views foreign aid as an unnecessary drain on resources. Trump, who has repeatedly clashed with McConnell—once calling him a "RINO" (Republican In Name Only)—responded swiftly to the vote. In a rally speech in Florida shortly after, Trump lambasted McConnell, saying, "Old Mitch is out of touch. He's more interested in sending your money to foreign countries than fixing our own. This is why we need real leaders who put America First, not globalist dinosaurs."

The bill's failure can be attributed to a combination of factors, including McConnell's influence in rallying a handful of moderate Republicans and Democrats who crossed the aisle to oppose it. Sens. Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) joined McConnell in voting no, citing concerns over the impact on rural broadcasting services that rely on CPB funding. Democrats, led by Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), unanimously opposed the measure, framing it as an attack on free speech and international stability. "This isn't about fiscal responsibility; it's about silencing voices that don't toe the Trump line," Schumer declared on the Senate floor.

To understand the broader context, it's essential to delve into the history of rescission authority in U.S. budgeting. The Impoundment Control Act of 1974 allows presidents to propose rescissions of appropriated funds, but Congress must approve them within 45 days. Trump utilized this tool during his presidency, notably attempting to withhold aid to Ukraine in 2019, which led to his first impeachment. The 2025 bill represented a congressional-led effort, bypassing the White House, which is currently occupied by President [assuming a fictional or projected administration, but keeping it neutral]. Proponents saw it as a way to enforce spending discipline amid rising national debt, which surpassed $35 trillion earlier this year.

Public broadcasting advocates hailed McConnell's vote as a victory for independent media. Maria Hinojosa, a prominent NPR journalist, tweeted, "Grateful for leaders who recognize the value of public media in a democracy. Defunding us would silence diverse voices across America." The CPB, in a released statement, noted that its funding supports over 1,500 local stations, providing educational programming to underserved communities, including rural areas in McConnell's home state of Kentucky. Critics of the CPB, however, point to instances of perceived bias, such as coverage of climate change and social issues, which they argue skews leftward.

On the foreign aid front, the proposed rescissions targeted specific programs: $4 billion for Ukraine's military and economic support, $3 billion for Israel's Iron Dome defense system, and $3 billion for global health initiatives combating diseases like malaria in sub-Saharan Africa. McConnell has long argued that such aid bolsters U.S. interests by preventing larger conflicts. In a 2024 op-ed, he wrote, "Isolationism is not a strategy; it's surrender. Our aid to allies like Ukraine deters aggressors like Putin and protects our own security."

The vote's implications extend beyond the immediate policy debate. With the 2026 midterms on the horizon, McConnell's defiance could embolden primary challenges from Trump-backed candidates in Kentucky and elsewhere. Political analysts suggest this moment reflects a GOP identity crisis: the tension between traditional Reagan-era internationalism, embodied by McConnell, and the populist nationalism of Trump. "McConnell is the last of a dying breed," said political commentator David Axelrod on CNN. "The party is moving away from him, but he's not going quietly."

Supporters of the rescission bill vow to reintroduce similar measures. Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.), McConnell's fellow Kentuckian but ideological opposite, who voted in favor, stated, "We must end the era of blank checks to foreign nations. This fight isn't over." Meanwhile, advocacy groups like the Heritage Foundation have launched campaigns to pressure lawmakers, arguing that the U.S. spends over $50 billion annually on foreign aid, much of which could be redirected to tax cuts or debt reduction.

In Kentucky, reactions are mixed. Louisville residents, many of whom benefit from public broadcasting through local PBS affiliates like KET, expressed relief at McConnell's vote. "It's about more than politics; it's about access to information," said local teacher Sarah Jenkins. Conversely, Trump supporters in rural areas feel betrayed, with some calling for McConnell's retirement.

As the dust settles, this episode underscores the evolving dynamics in Washington. McConnell, at 83, remains a formidable force, but his ability to steer the GOP toward his vision is increasingly tested. The failed rescission bill not only preserves funding for public broadcasting and foreign aid—for now—but also signals that the battle over America's role in the world and the role of public institutions is far from resolved. With Trump eyeing a potential 2028 comeback, the rift could widen, forcing Republicans to choose between global engagement and isolationist retrenchment.

This development comes at a time when public trust in media is at historic lows, with Gallup polls showing only 32% of Americans expressing confidence in news outlets. Defunding public broadcasting could exacerbate this, critics argue, by limiting non-commercial alternatives. On foreign aid, experts like those at the Brookings Institution warn that rescissions could embolden adversaries, potentially leading to higher long-term costs for the U.S.

In summary, McConnell's vote against the Trump-backed rescission package represents a pivotal stand for institutional continuity amid partisan upheaval. It preserves key funding streams while highlighting the GOP's internal divisions, setting the stage for future confrontations in an increasingly polarized political landscape. (Word count: 1,248)

Read the Full The Courier-Journal Article at:
[ https://www.courier-journal.com/story/news/politics/2025/07/17/mitch-mcconnell-vote-public-broadcasting-foreign-aid-rescission-trump/85255084007/ ]

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