White House Blocks Public Broadcasting and Rail Funding, Keeps Education Reorg Authority

The Trump administration rejected last-minute Democratic efforts to add funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting and to restore federal support for major rail projects — including the Gateway Tunnel — in a four-bill spending package the House will consider this week, two senior administration officials told Semafor.

Administrations officials also removed proposed restrictions on interior immigration enforcement and limits on federal layoffs, cut foreign aid funding, and preserved the executive branch's authority to reorganize the Education Department.

What Each Side Says

Democrats argue they were able to secure increased accountability measures for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and won additional funding for research and health-care programs. Administration officials counter that threats of rescissions and potential impoundment of funds forced Congress to move and shaped the final package.

Why It Matters

The dispute highlights the political bargaining ahead of a possible spending deadline: both parties want to claim victories to sell a deal to their supporters. Excluding public broadcasting and rail funding while trimming foreign aid and preserving reorganization powers signals White House priorities and negotiating leverage going into House consideration of the bills.

Source: Two senior administration officials speaking to Semafor.