Sen. Eric Schmitt, R-Mo., is reportedly meeting with President Donald Trump at the White House on Monday to discuss the administration's rescissions package which seeks to cancel $9.4 billion in previously approved funding, Politico reported.
The Senate is scrambling to approve the funding clawback by Friday, which was passed by the House in June. The outlet reported that upper chamber leadership and the administration are still working through requests from GOP senators who are seeking last-minute changes to the bill.
Schmitt is reportedly acting as the point person for the rescissions package in the Senate and gave a presentation to his Republican colleagues last week during a private lunch where he pledged to help them get answers to questions on the legislation.
To that end, White House budget director Russ Vought is expected to meet with Senate Republicans on Tuesday, according to Politico.
If the rescissions package doesn't make it to Trump's desk for signature by Friday, the administration must spend the money as originally earmarked by Congress.
Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, and Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, are reportedly viewed by their fellow GOP lawmakers as the most likely to vote against the bill, though neither has indicated they intend to vote "no" on the funding cancellation package.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., can afford to lose up to three Republican senators and have Vice President JD Vance cast the tie-breaking vote, according to Politico.
Meanwhile, House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., is pressing for the Senate to pass the bill in its current form to avoid jamming the lower chamber with amendment approvals ahead of the end-of-week deadline.
Nicole Weatherholtz ✉
Nicole Weatherholtz, a Newsmax general assignment reporter covers news, politics, and culture. She is a National Newspaper Association award-winning journalist.
© 2025 Newsmax. All rights reserved.