Podcast Summary: Bulwark Takes Episode Title: BREAKING: GOP Threatens UNICEF Cuts—Kids’ Lives Depend On YOUR Actions
Release Date: July 16, 2025
Host: Tim Miller, The Bulwark

Overview

In this episode of Bulwark Takes, host Tim Miller addresses a crucial and urgent political development: the Republican Party's attempt to cut funding to UNICEF through a proposed rescissions package. Miller delves into the specifics of the bill, the internal dynamics within the Senate, the vital role of UNICEF, and the broader implications of these budgetary decisions. He passionately argues against the proposed cuts, emphasizing the moral and humanitarian consequences of such actions.

Breaking Down the Rescissions Package

Vote Dynamics and Key Players ([01:30]

Miller begins by outlining the current state of the Senate regarding the rescissions package:

• Narrow Margin: The Senate is currently deadlocked at a 50-50 split. JD Vance holds the crucial tie-breaking vote.
• Republican Divisions: Three Republican senators—Mitch McConnell, Lisa Murkowski, and Susan Collins—have already opposed the bill, contributing to the stalemate.
• Upcoming Procedures: The bill is set for final passage with a vote scheduled for the following day, which is expected to maintain the 50-50 split. Additionally, there is a possibility of amendments being introduced during the so-called "vote-a-rama" process.

Potential Amendments and Concerns ([03:15]

Several Republican senators have expressed reservations about the bill:

• Mike Rounds (South Dakota): Criticized certain aspects of the bill.
• Roger Wicker (Mississippi): Voiced concerns, especially after the removal of cuts to PEPFAR—a program many Republicans respect due to its legacy from the Bush administration.
• Thom Tillis (North Carolina): Engaged in debates with the President, indicating further potential opposition.

Miller highlights that while some cuts to PEPFAR were initially included, they were subsequently removed, signaling adjustments to appease conservative factions.

UNICEF Funding Under Scrutiny

Specifics of the Cut ([05:00]

The focal point of Miller's discussion is the proposed $100 million cut to UNICEF's Core Resources Fund, a seemingly minor line item within a broader $9 billion reduction in previously appropriated funds. He emphasizes that:

• Critical Role: The Core Resources Fund provides UNICEF with flexible funding essential for emergency responses and ongoing programs worldwide.
• Impact Examples:
  • Bangladesh: Contributed to a 40% reduction in stunting among children under five.
  • Republic of Congo: Supported health facilities catering to over 100,000 children.

Misconceptions and Moral Implications ([07:45]

Miller counters Republican criticisms by clarifying that UNICEF's programs are neither wasteful nor frivolous. He asserts:

• Life-Saving Work: UNICEF's initiatives have led to a more than 60% reduction in preventable deaths of children under five since 1990.
• Moral Responsibility: Cutting funds to such a vital organization contradicts the values of compassion and responsibility that many Republicans profess.

Quotes Highlighting the Issue:

• "UNICEF has some earmarked funds for specific projects, but the Core Resources is critical flexible funding that UNICEF can use to direct resources where they're needed in case of emergency." ([06:10])
• "The number of preventable deaths for children under five have been cut by more than 60% since 1990 thanks to the work that UNICEF has been doing." ([08:30])
• "It is absolutely insane that the Republicans would jam through on a party line vote that requires a tie-breaking vote from the vice president, a rescission bill that would cut this tiny line item that goes to save dying kids around the world." ([10:00])

Critique of Republican Budget Priorities

Selective Funding Cuts ([09:20]

Miller critiques the Republican approach to budget cuts, arguing that it reflects misplaced priorities:

• Disproportionate Spending: While proposing cuts to UNICEF, the GOP recently passed a $45 billion bill funding prisons and detention centers for immigrants.
• Inconsistent Fiscal Responsibility: He points out the irony in claiming fiscal responsibility while increasing the national debt by trillions and refusing to balance the budget meaningfully.

Moral Dichotomy ([10:50]

He underscores a moral inconsistency within the GOP's budgetary decisions:

• "How do you square that? How can anybody square that within their values or their framework?" ([10:30])
• "We're going to take the most vulnerable people throughout the world, little babies in other countries and we're going to cut their budget." ([11:00])

Call to Action

Mobilizing Listeners ([11:20]

Miller urges listeners to take immediate action to prevent the proposed cuts:

• Contact Senators: He provides specific names and reasons to reach out to various Republican senators who might sway their votes:
  • Katie Britt (Alabama): Described as a "reasonable Christian woman" who is pro-life.
  • Roger Wicker (Mississippi): Has already shown concerns about the bill.
  • James Lankford (Oklahoma): Known for his reasonableness.
  • Thom Tillis (North Carolina): Encouraged to step up against the cuts.
  • Bill Cassidy (Louisiana): A doctor who has treated the vulnerable.

Final Plea:

• "Please call your senators and if this thing gets voted on tomorrow, call your congressman because it's a narrow majority in the House as well, and try to get this funding put back in because this is crazy." ([11:45])
• "We can afford UNICEF. We can feed little kids and we can prevent the spread of deadly diseases and AIDS in other countries. That is something that America is capable of doing still, I hope, I hope so." ([12:10])

Miller emphasizes the importance of collective action to preserve essential humanitarian efforts and counteract what he perceives as morally and fiscally irresponsible budgetary decisions by the GOP.

Conclusion

In this episode, Tim Miller effectively highlights the gravity of the GOP's proposed cuts to UNICEF, framing it as not only a fiscal misstep but also a moral failing. By detailing the potential impacts, critiquing inconsistent budget priorities, and mobilizing listeners to take action, Miller underscores the importance of safeguarding funding for organizations that save children's lives globally.

Notable Quotes:

• "The number of preventable deaths for children under five have been cut by more than 60% since 1990 thanks to the work that UNICEF has been doing." ([08:30])
• "We're going to take the most vulnerable people throughout the world, little babies in other countries and we're going to cut their budget." ([11:00])
• "Please call your senators and if this thing gets voted on tomorrow, call your congressman because it's a narrow majority in the House as well, and try to get this funding put back in because this is crazy." ([11:45])

Stay Tuned:

Tim Miller wraps up the episode by teasing future content, including discussions on FBI matters and upcoming interviews. He encourages listeners to subscribe to the Bulwark Takes feed to stay informed on pressing political issues.

This summary provides an in-depth overview of the episode's key points and arguments, ensuring that listeners who haven't tuned in can fully grasp the critical discussions surrounding the GOP's proposed cuts to UNICEF.