Trumps Budget Proposal: Deep Cuts Across Federal Programs Face GOP Criticism

President Donald Trump has submitted a detailed budget proposal to Congress, outlining significant cuts across various federal programs. The proposal seeks a 22 percent reduction in non-defense spending for the upcoming fiscal year, while maintaining a flat military budget. Key cuts include $12 billion from federal education programs, $5 billion from agriculture efforts, and over $60 billion from health, housing, and community development initiatives.

The administration’s budget documents, which include a 1,200-page appendix and individual agency briefs, highlight specific programs targeted for elimination. For instance, the Education Department’s brief lists programs such as federal grants for preschools, education services for homeless and rural children, and various Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) grant programs for pesticide enforcement, pollution control, and toxic substance restrictions.

Despite the Trump administration’s ambitions, senior GOP members in Congress have criticized the budget request, calling it “indiscriminate” and “unserious.” Senate appropriators, including Chair Lisa Murkowski, have indicated they will not cut the EPA as deeply as proposed. The administration has not ruled out using “impoundment” to withhold approved funding, a tactic that has drawn ire from Republican lawmakers who argue it is illegal.

As Congress prepares to vote on funding bills in September, the likelihood of significant Democratic support in the Senate means higher funding levels may be necessary, potentially leading to Republican opposition. House Appropriations Chair Tom Cole has acknowledged the challenge of balancing Democratic support with Republican opposition, emphasizing the need for full-year appropriations bills rather than another stopgap measure.