Trump’s $9.4 billion federal spending cut package advanced in the House of Representatives on Wednesday, pushing the plan closer to becoming law.
The proposal is based on recommendations from the Department of Government Efficiency and allows the White House to withhold funds already approved by Congress.
House vote passes, final outcome still uncertain
The bill targets funding for agencies including the U.S. Agency for International Development and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. These organizations support programs such as NPR and PBS, which remain popular with many voters. The House passed the measure along party lines, but Speaker Mike Johnson faces pressure to secure enough Republican votes for the final vote set for Thursday. With limited room for defections, internal disagreement could stall the package before it reaches the Senate.
Senate process forces changes to original GOP plan
The spending cuts were originally part of the Republican-backed “big, beautiful bill,” but the Senate reconciliation process forced edits. This budgetary procedure allows approval with a simple majority, avoiding the 60-vote threshold. The Senate parliamentarian removed several provisions that did not meet reconciliation rules, leading to adjustments before the House vote. Some Republicans remain uneasy about the remaining content, particularly the reductions in public media and foreign aid.
The Department of Government Efficiency has been active beyond budget changes. Since Trump returned to office, DOGE has overseen significant federal workforce reductions, cutting entire teams and affecting essential services like weather reporting and drug approvals. The administration is now facing complications as it attempts to reverse or revise some of the firings.
Court rulings and staffing gaps disrupt federal operations
Legal challenges have added confusion to the federal staffing situation. In April, a judge ordered the reinstatement of workers from 20 agencies, while a separate Supreme Court ruling blocked a similar order. Thousands of federal employees who were dismissed earlier in the year are now caught in legal limbo. Many of those eligible to return are declining offers or ignoring outreach, creating operational gaps across key departments.
The FDA, IRS, State Department and HUD, are some of the agencies that are operating under pressure. The inner communications and interviews establish a picture of a hectic environment, and employees having additional responsibilities. Job announcements that had been dropped are being re-posted on USAJobs as agencies try to reel back to sudden reorganization and brain drain.