Key facts
- The House adopted a Republican-only $95 billion budget proposal.
- The bill allocates $60 billion for the Pentagon and $13 billion for national security.
- It also includes $12 billion for farmers and $10 billion for voting law changes aligned with the SAVE America Act.
- The measure passed by a narrow 216-214 vote.
- Republicans are utilizing the budget reconciliation process to advance the proposal.
The House of Representatives has adopted a $95 billion budget proposal put forth by Republicans, aimed at funding operations related to the Iran conflict and other priorities championed by President Donald Trump. The measure passed with a narrow 216-214 vote, highlighting divisions within the Republican party and strong opposition from Democrats.
Republicans are utilizing the budget reconciliation process, a procedural tool that allows for passage with a simple majority, to advance the package and bypass potential filibusters in the Senate. This strategy has been employed previously by Republican leadership to pass significant legislation. The bill allocates substantial funds towards defense and national security, alongside aid for struggling farmers and provisions related to voting laws.
Democrats criticized the Republican plan, arguing that the funds should be directed towards domestic needs and lowering costs for Americans. They also voiced concerns about the lack of bipartisan support for military action and the funding of what they termed "Trump's failed war in Iran." Some Republicans also opposed the bill, citing a lack of offsetting budget cuts and a desire for greater congressional involvement in ending conflicts.
The budget resolution now moves to the Senate, where its fate remains uncertain. Senate Majority Leader John Thune has expressed reservations about the House's approach and is prioritizing efforts to prevent a government shutdown. He indicated that the House's budget resolution could potentially be used as a fallback option for government funding later in the year if an agreement cannot be reached.