House Republicans narrowly advanced a $95 billion budget reconciliation framework on Thursday, setting the stage for a floor vote next week despite growing opposition from fiscal conservatives. The bill, which includes $73 billion for defense and intelligence funding, passed the House Budget Committee along party lines in a 20-14 vote. However, some GOP members, including Rep. Chip Roy (R-Texas), criticized the plan for lacking spending offsets, warning it could derail the effort.
Core Facts & Immediate Action
The House Budget Committee approved the $95 billion framework, which now heads to the House Rules Committee before a potential floor vote. The bill allocates $73 billion for defense, $12 billion for farmers, and $10 billion for state grants under the SAVE America Act. Fiscal hawks, including Rep. Warren Davidson (R-Ohio), argue the bill is a "non-starter" without offsets, threatening to block its passage.
Deeper Dive & Context
Senate Republicans' Skepticism
Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) expressed doubts about the bill's prospects, noting that reconciliation could complicate negotiations with Democrats on other priorities, such as renewing a key spy program. He cautioned that the process could be time-consuming and vulnerable to "poison pill" amendments. Sen. Ron Johnson (R-WI), incoming chairman of the Senate Budget Committee, also emphasized the need for spending offsets.
House Leadership's Challenges
Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) faces a tight margin, as he can afford only three GOP defections. The bill's fate hinges on whether fiscal conservatives can be persuaded to support it. Some defense hawks argue the Pentagon funding is insufficient, with former President Donald Trump originally proposing $350 billion through reconciliation.
Policy Implications
The bill's passage would mark the third party-line "megabill" under GOP leadership, aiming to bypass Democratic input. However, the lack of offsets and internal divisions threaten its viability, raising questions about the party's ability to unify behind major legislative priorities.