GOP leader faces showdown with Republicans on Trump-backed funding cuts

Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R‑S.D.) faces internal GOP resistance over a House‑passed plan to cut $9.4 billion in previously approved funding, including $8.3 billion from global health programs and future funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. Senior Republicans on the Senate Appropriations Committee, like Chair Susan Collins (R‑Maine), oppose cuts to bipartisan priorities, including the PEPFAR HIV/AIDS program and local public broadcasting. Senators Mike Rounds (R‑S.D.) and Lisa Murkowski (R‑Alaska) have raised concerns about impacts on tribal and rural radio stations. With only a narrow GOP majority, Thune can’t afford more than three defections, making passage uncertain, The Hill has reported. Critics also warn the move could undermine trust in bipartisan budget deals and derail future appropriations work.