Multiple Republican lawmakers are voicing concerns about backing a high-profile measure later this week to codify Elon Musk’s DOGE cuts – raising questions about whether it can pass the House at all. Two Republicans – Reps. Mark Amodei of Nevada and Nicole Malliotakis of New York – separately told CNN they have concerns with the White House’s push to defund the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. “Still mulling,” Amodei said when asked if he would support the package of cuts. “The impact on local PBS stations appears to be significant.” Other Republicans have heartburn about how it could cut the Bush-era program, PEPFAR, devoted to fighting HIV and AIDS globally. “If it cuts PEPFAR like they’re saying it is, that’s not good,” GOP Rep. Don Bacon of Nebraska told CNN last week. House GOP leaders plan to put the package of cuts, totaling $9.4 billion, on the floor as soon as Thursday, according to two people familiar with the plans. But Speaker Mike Johnson will need near unanimity in his conference for the package to pass the House, where he can only lose three votes. Johnson said on Monday that he’s “working on” getting enough votes for the Department of Government Efficiency spending cuts package he hopes to bring to the floor this week. “The only concern I heard initially was some wanted a little more specificity and detail on what was in the package,” Johnson continued. Asked how he would persuade members that wanted more specificity in the package, Johnson replied, “I’m gathering up all their questions and we’ll try to get them all answered. I mean, that’s what we do in every piece of legislation.” If it can survive the House, it will face major obstacles in the Senate. Sen. Susan Collins of Maine told CNN on Monday that she has major misgivings about the global health cuts, including PEPFAR. “I think we can change it. We’re still figuring out what the set rules are,” Collins said. The White House sent its long-awaited spending cuts request to Congress as it seeks to formalize a slew of DOGE slashes to federal funding. The $9.4 billion package – known as “rescissions” on Capitol Hill – would claw back previously appropriated government funding. The move to cancel the funding through Congress would insulate the administration from legal challenges related to its cuts to federal funding. Johnson said on Monday, “We’d like to do multiple rescissions packages, and this first one I’m sure will be successful.” This initial request, however, is far more limited in scope than the more than $1 trillion in spending cuts that DOGE has promised. The lengthy time it took the White House to send over a first round of cuts underscores the uphill battle for even a Republican-led Congress to codify DOGE’s work. CNN’s Molly English contributed to this report.
GOP lawmakers uneasy about package to codify DOGE cuts ahead of House vote this week
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Republican Lawmakers Express Concerns Over Proposed Spending Cuts Package Ahead of House Vote"
CNN
8.8
TruthLens AI Summary
Republican lawmakers are expressing hesitation regarding a significant legislative package that aims to codify cuts proposed by President Biden's administration, particularly those affecting the Corporation for Public Broadcasting and the PEPFAR program, which focuses on combating HIV and AIDS globally. Representatives Mark Amodei of Nevada and Nicole Malliotakis of New York have indicated their reservations about the potential impact of these cuts on local PBS stations. Amodei stated that he is still considering his support for the package, highlighting concerns over its effects on public broadcasting. Meanwhile, Rep. Don Bacon of Nebraska voiced his worries about the implications of the proposed cuts to PEPFAR, emphasizing that such reductions would have detrimental consequences. House GOP leaders are planning to bring the $9.4 billion package to a vote later this week, necessitating near-unanimity among Republican representatives to secure its passage, as Speaker Mike Johnson can only afford to lose three votes. Johnson acknowledged the need for clarity within the package and is working to address the concerns of his colleagues regarding its specifics.
The proposed cuts are part of a broader effort by the White House to formalize a series of spending reductions, known as "rescissions," which aim to retract previously allocated government funding. Although this initial request represents a smaller scope than the over $1 trillion in cuts that President Biden has envisioned, it highlights the challenges the administration faces in securing bipartisan support for its fiscal agenda. Johnson expressed optimism about the success of this first rescissions package, suggesting that more will follow. However, if the package passes in the House, it will still encounter significant hurdles in the Senate, where lawmakers like Sen. Susan Collins of Maine have already raised concerns about the global health implications of the cuts. The lengthy delay in submitting this first round of cuts reflects the complexities involved in implementing such fiscal policies, even within a Republican-controlled Congress.
TruthLens AI Analysis
Multiple Republican lawmakers are showing apprehension regarding a significant measure aimed at codifying cuts proposed by Elon Musk related to DOGE. These concerns center around the potential defunding of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting and the impact on global health initiatives like PEPFAR. The article indicates a division within the Republican party and highlights the difficulties Speaker Mike Johnson faces in garnering enough support for the proposed $9.4 billion cuts package.
Concerns Over Public Broadcasting and Health Initiatives
Lawmakers such as Reps. Mark Amodei and Nicole Malliotakis express unease about the proposal's implications for local PBS stations. Their hesitation reflects a broader concern among Republicans about the potential negative effects on public broadcasting and health programs aimed at combating HIV and AIDS. This reflects a tension between fiscal conservatism and the desire to maintain essential public services.
Challenges in the House
Speaker Mike Johnson's ability to pass the package hinges on achieving near-unanimity within the GOP. With only three votes to spare, the article points out the critical nature of securing support from party members who demand more clarity regarding the specifics of the cuts. Johnson's efforts to address these concerns could influence the package's viability in the House.
Obstacles Ahead in the Senate
Even if the House passes the cuts package, it faces significant hurdles in the Senate, where members like Sen. Susan Collins express skepticism about the proposed health cuts. This indicates a potential bipartisan divide on the issue, complicating the path forward for the legislation.
Public Sentiment and Political Strategy
The article reflects an underlying strategy to gauge public and party sentiment concerning budget cuts and their implications. By framing the issue around crucial public services, it aims to highlight potential backlash against the cuts, which may resonate with constituents.
Potential Market Impacts
This news has implications for the stock market, particularly in sectors tied to public broadcasting and health initiatives. The uncertainty surrounding funding for these programs could influence investor sentiment in related industries.
Trustworthiness of the Article
The article presents a balanced view of the lawmakers' concerns and the political landscape surrounding the proposed cuts. While it does not appear to manipulate information overtly, it seeks to inform the public about the complexities of the legislative process and the potential consequences of budgetary decisions.
In conclusion, the article effectively highlights the divisions within the Republican party regarding budget cuts and underscores the potential implications for public services. The concerns raised by lawmakers suggest that the proposed cuts may face significant opposition, not only from within the party but also in the broader legislative arena.