House Republicans Push for Senate Approval of $9.4 Billion Rescue Package
House Republicans are calling on their Senate counterparts to move quickly on the Trump administration’s $9.4 billion rescue package, as discussed in an interview with Daily Caller on Tuesday.
The Senate faces a tight deadline to pass the package by this Friday, following its approval in the House just days ago. Republican Florida Representative Greg Steube spoke with the Republican Research Committee to share insights on the Senate’s hesitance regarding the legislation.
“I introduced a bill to completely eliminate the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). I think it needs to happen,” Steube noted.
In February, he introduced a proposal aiming to abolish USAID to address what he views as wasteful foreign aid.
“The Senate must pass a rescue package sent from the White House, which had already passed to save Americans. The House of Representatives voted to terminate NPR, PBS, and USAID taxpayer funds. This is not complicated. Your hard-earned money should help America’s profits…” – Rep. Greg Steube
Continuing, Steube expressed his admiration for Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s efforts in addressing fund withdrawals. “It passed through the House. I hope the Senate passes it too,” he added.
He acknowledged that political motivations often influence decisions within the Senate. “Obviously, their calculations are always political. So you have to ask the individual members about their stance. But there’s no reason not to say that this administration thinks there’s a need to deliver savings to taxpayers,” he said.
When questioned about potential opposition to his proposals, Steube reiterated his belief in the necessity of eliminating USAID, mentioning examples of fraud associated with its operations and declaring that many Americans do not support such funding.
“Well, I hope it passes. It should pass, and I don’t understand why anyone would be against cutting it,” he concluded.
Republican Illinois Representative Mary Miller also shared her thoughts on the Senate’s reservations. She pointed out that taxpayers generally agree about the necessity to cut waste and abuse, suggesting that even before recent events, they would feel “abused.”
“President Trump’s retirement package significantly reduces $9.4 billion in waste, fraud, and abuse, including PBS & NPR funds. The House has passed it, but it’s time for the Senate to act. What are you waiting for?” – Rep. Mary Miller
Miller emphasized the absurdity of the abuse of taxpayer dollars and expressed frustration toward those who oppose the rescue package. “They should not be in Congress; they don’t represent American taxpayers,” she asserted.
This proposal includes funding for public broadcasting organizations like NPR and PBS, alongside foreign aid programs.
Concerns have arisen from Republican Maine Senator Susan Collins and others about potential negative impacts on rural communities from cutting public broadcasting funds. Collins previously opposed a $400 million reduction in the AIDS Relief Emergency Plan (PEPFAR), although supporters of the package have agreed to proceed without that cut, securing $10 billion in funding for the proposal.
The White House initially submitted this rescue package to the House on June 3, with oversight from budget director Russell Vought. The package proposes cutting $1.1 billion from public broadcasting and an additional $8.3 billion in foreign aid, which includes funding for USAID programs.
