Vice President JD Vance cast a decisive tie-breaking vote on July 15, allowing the Senate to advance a $9 billion federal spending cuts package, a streamlined version of former President Donald Trump’s $9.4 billion rescissions request.
The Senate vote concluded at 51–50, with Vance arriving late to break the deadlock after Sen. Dave McCormick (R-Pa.) voted “yes,” locking the tally at 50–50. The bill had been held open for nearly 30 minutes in anticipation of the VP’s arrival.
Three Republicans Opposed the Measure
Despite its backing from GOP leadership, three Republican senators broke ranks:
- Susan Collins (R-Maine)
- Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska)
- Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.)
Their opposition drew sharp criticism online, with some conservatives branding them “RINOs” (Republicans In Name Only) for rejecting what many are calling a long-overdue effort to rein in spending.
What’s in the DOGE Cuts Package?
The package includes major recommendations from the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) and is one of the largest rescissions passed under this process. Key highlights:
- Cuts to the Corporation for Public Broadcasting
- Reductions in foreign aid
- Trimmed administrative budgets for federal departments
Though symbolically important, critics pointed out that $9 billion is equivalent to less than half a day of U.S. federal spending, prompting calls for even deeper fiscal reforms.
Online Reaction: Cheers for Vance, Jeers for GOP Holdouts
Social media users praised JD Vance for stepping in:
“Score for Vance. Huge score for all Americans.”
“It took a millennial VP to do what three fossilized RINOs wouldn’t — cut spending. Retire them all. JD came to play.”
Others, however, highlighted the scale of the challenge:
“$9B is 12 hours of federal spending. Truly pathetic that’s all we could barely muster.”
“How can fiscal responsibility possibly be restored with such weakness among Republicans?”
What’s Next?
The bill now advances to the House of Representatives, where Trump-aligned fiscal hawks are expected to push for even deeper cuts, particularly in climate programs, international aid, and public media funding.
With Vance emerging as a rising conservative force and vocal supporter of Trump’s budget-slashing agenda, this moment marks a significant political win for the administration — but also a sign that deeper internal GOP fractures lie ahead.