Wed Jul 16 10:30:00 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary of the text followed by a news article rewrite:

**Summary:**

Senate Republicans are pushing forward with President Trump’s $9 billion spending clawback package. The bill has cleared a procedural hurdle with Vice President Vance’s support. Senate Democrats are expected to fiercely oppose the bill, particularly its cuts to foreign aid and public broadcasting. A key point of contention is funding for the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). While Senate Republicans plan an amendment to restore PEPFAR funding, this change could face opposition from House Speaker Johnson and fiscal conservatives in the House, who want the original cuts maintained. Senate Leader Thune hopes the House will accept the amended bill before a Friday deadline.

**News Article:**

**Senate Advances Trump’s $9 Billion Spending Clawback, Intra-Party Fight Looms**

**WASHINGTON** – The Senate took a significant step forward on President Donald Trump’s $9 billion spending clawback package on Tuesday, clearing a crucial procedural hurdle with the help of Vice President JD Vance. The legislation, which aims to cut taxpayer-funded benefits to illegal immigrants, reduce State Department spending, and codify budget cuts, is expected to face stiff opposition from Senate Democrats.

Democrats are expected to utilize the upcoming 10 hours of debate to highlight their concerns regarding cuts to foreign aid and public broadcasting, labeling them as detrimental to national interests.

A major point of contention within the Republican party centers on the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). Some Senate Republicans, including Sens. Murkowski and Collins, expressed reservations about cutting funding to the program. To address these concerns, the Senate GOP is expected to propose an amendment restoring approximately $400 million in international HIV and AIDS funding.

However, this potential compromise faces resistance from House Speaker Mike Johnson and members of the House Freedom Caucus. Johnson has urged the Senate to refrain from altering the bill, emphasizing the need for fiscal responsibility. The House Freedom Caucus has echoed this sentiment, threatening “serious issues” if the Senate weakens the rescissions package.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., expressed hope that the House would accept the amended bill. “There was a lot of interest among our members in doing something on the PEPFAR issue,” Thune said. “So, that’s reflected in the substitute, and we hope that if we can get this across the finish line in the Senate that the House will accept that one small modification.”

The bill now proceeds to a “vote-a-rama,” where an unlimited number of amendments can be proposed. The fate of the spending clawback package remains uncertain as it navigates a divided Congress and internal party disagreements. The looming Friday deadline adds pressure to resolve the differences and secure passage of the legislation.

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