House Speaker Mike Johnson narrowly avoided a legislative defeat when a crucial vote on spending cuts almost failed. The GOP-led House was about to reject a $9.4 billion rescission package, which included controversial cuts to foreign aid and public broadcasting, until Johnson had a last-minute conversation with Rep. Nick LaLota.
LaLota had initially voted no, but after a tense discussion, switched his vote, allowing the measure to pass by a slim margin. The specific details of their conversation remain undisclosed, though LaLota hinted it was related to negotiations over state and local tax (SALT) deductions.
Centrist GOP Support Sways Vote Amid SALT Dispute and Controversial DOGE Spending Cuts
LaLota and another New York centrist, Rep. Mike Lawler, were both seen huddling with Johnson before reversing their votes. Their support appears tied to the ongoing debate over SALT, a critical issue for lawmakers from high-tax states like New York.
While SALT affects only a few GOP districts, it is proving to be a significant challenge as Senate Republicans weigh its implications in the broader tax and spending bill backed by former President Trump. The vote flip by these centrists demonstrates the tightrope Speaker Johnson must walk to secure support from moderates without alienating the conservative base.
Johnson Secures Last-Minute GOP Support to Pass Contentious Spending Cuts Amid SALT and Public Media FightThe spending cuts mark the first formal congressional response to Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) budget proposals, which seek to claw back already-approved federal funds. These “rescissions” include defunding public broadcasters like PBS and NPR, and cutting programs like PEPFAR, which fights global AIDS.
Many centrist Republicans were uncomfortable with eliminating funding for such widely supported initiatives. Despite the political discomfort, GOP leaders managed to rally most of their caucus behind the cuts, but not without dissent. Four Republicans ultimately voted no, and two others switched their votes at the last minute.
Senate Showdown Looms as Public Media Fights Back Against Proposed Funding Cuts
Although the House narrowly approved the rescission package, its fate in the Senate is uncertain. Only 51 votes are needed due to the procedure being used, but several Republican senators, including Appropriations Committee Chair Susan Collins, have raised objections.
Collins has indicated she is working to amend the proposal, reflecting broader concerns among Senate Republicans about cutting funds to respected programs like PBS, NPR, and PEPFAR. The Senate will be the battleground where moderates may have more sway, and changes to the House bill seem likely before any final approval.
Following the House vote, public media organizations are gearing up for a Senate lobbying campaign to protect their funding. Both PBS and NPR released statements condemning the proposed cuts and reaffirming their essential public service roles. PBS CEO Paula Kerger emphasized that the battle isn’t over, calling on viewers and supporters to urge their senators to oppose the cuts.
The Corporation for Public Broadcasting, which stands to lose $1.1 billion, is a central target in Trump’s proposed reductions. As the Senate takes up the measure, public broadcasters hope to sway enough lawmakers to reverse the House’s decision.