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The Senate rejected an amendment by Senator Rand Paul that proposed $70 billion in spending cuts to foreign aid, education, and science research as part of the 2026 budget plan.
This vote was on an amendment to the fiscal year 2026 budget resolution. The proposal sought to cut $70 billion from the federal budget by reducing funds for foreign assistance, refugee programs, the Department of Education, and the National Science Foundation. In the Senate, a vote on an amendment is a decision to change or add to a larger piece of legislation. This specific amendment needed a simple majority—more "yes" votes than "no" votes—to be included in the final budget resolution. The amendment failed with a bipartisan majority of senators voting against it. All Democrats and about half of the Republicans rejected the cuts, meaning the original spending targets in the budget plan remained in place.
The Senate will continue debating other amendments to the budget resolution before taking a final vote on the entire resolution.
OPEN BILL →Why it matters. This vote highlights the ongoing debate between fiscal hawks seeking deep spending cuts and a bipartisan group that supports maintaining current levels of funding for education, science, and diplomacy.
Who’s affected. Educational and Scientific Agencies: Avoided a combined $20 billion reduction in funding targets that would have impacted research grants and school support. · Foreign Aid Recipients: A $45 billion cut would have significantly reduced the United States' international financial presence.
Democrats. Every Democrat who voted opposed the amendment.
Republicans. Republicans were divided, with 25 supporting the cuts and 27 opposing them.
On the Amendment S.Amdt. 5378 to S.Con.Res. 33 (No short title on file)
Apr 23, 2026
The Senate rejected an amendment by Senator Rand Paul that proposed $70 billion in spending cuts to foreign aid, education, and science research as part of the 2026 budget plan.