Senate GOP Moves to Advance Trump Agenda with New Budget Plan
Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., has voiced his support for a Republican initiative aimed at advancing legislation that aligns with President Donald Trump's agenda. This approach marks a significant shift from earlier plans where the House was expected to pass a bill first amidst internal disagreements among House Republicans regarding spending levels.
Thune stated, "I appreciate Chairman Graham's leadership in crafting a budget resolution that will unlock the ability to pass a reconciliation bill to secure the border, rebuild our military, and deliver a much-needed down payment on energy security," in an exclusive statement to Fox News Digital.
On Wednesday, Senate Budget Committee Chairman Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., presented his strategy for navigating the bill through a crucial procedural step next week. While the House had plans to move a bill this week, leaders had to delay after conservative members expressed concern over spending cut thresholds.
With Thune's endorsement, Graham's plan is positioned to swiftly progress through the Senate, gaining a critical edge over any rival efforts from House Republicans.
Republicans in Washington are gearing up to utilize the budget reconciliation process to promote various Trump proposals from enhancing border security to abolishing taxes on tips and overtime pay. This reconciliation process simplifies the advancement of a bill in the Senate from needing 60 votes to just 51. With a 53-vote majority, Republicans are set to push through policies with sole GOP support.
However, the party's slim margins in both chambers mean they can tolerate very few dissenting votes.
The initial stage of the budget reconciliation involves advancing a bill through the Senate and House budget committees. The budget headed for the Senate committee is part of a two-tier strategy, with one bill focused on Trump's objectives for border security, fossil fuel energy, and national defense.
The subsequent bill will seek to extend Trump's tax policies from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) later in the year. Graham confirmed the plan to proceed with the two-bill approach, indicating that there will be a committee vote on a Fiscal Year 2025 budget resolution next week, which "will be the blueprint that unlocks the pathway forward for a fully paid for reconciliation bill to secure the border, bolster our military, and increase American energy independence."
Graham added, "To those who believe that Republicans should fulfill their promises on border security, mass deportation of criminal illegal aliens: I agree. That is why the Senate Budget Committee will be moving forward next week to give the Trump Administration's Border Czar, Tom Homan, the money he needs to finish the wall, hire ICE agents to deport criminal illegal immigrants, and create more detention beds so that we do not release more dangerous people into the country. This will be the most transformational border security bill in the history of our country. It's time to act."
While some Senate Republicans support the dual billing approach this year through the budget reconciliation process, they face substantial resistance in the House. House Ways & Means Committee and House GOP leaders have pushed for a single large bill encompassing all of Trump's priorities.
Initially, House leaders intended to take the lead in the process. However, if the Senate passes their bill first, it could compel the lower chamber to grapple with whatever outcome emerges from the Senate rather than dictate their course of action.
President Trump previously indicated a preference for one comprehensive bill, but has refrained from making it a demand, instead allowing Congress to employ whichever method can be executed most swiftly.
