As House Republicans remain gridlocked, Senate leaders are pushing ahead with a plan to fund President Donald Trump‘s agenda. Senate Budget Committee Chairman Lindsey Graham announced that the Senate will start work next week on a funding package combining border security and defense spending. This decision comes as House Republicans struggle to agree on how to proceed with Trump’s budget agenda.
House and Senate Republicans have been divided for months over whether to consolidate Trump’s agenda into a single package or break it into smaller bills. They hoped to use a budget tool called reconciliation to pass key measures without Democratic support. However, progress has stalled in the House, prompting Graham to take matters into his own hands.
Graham revealed that the Senate’s proposal includes a $300 billion budget resolution over four years, allocating $150 billion for border security and defense. He expressed frustration with the House’s lack of a clear proposal and emphasized the importance of advancing these key items.
House Speaker Mike Johnson has been pushing for a “big beautiful bill” but remains at odds with Senate members. Graham disagrees with Johnson’s strategy, arguing that a single, complex bill would be too difficult to pass and that Republicans should focus on border security and defense spending. Johnson, however, maintains that the House should take the lead, emphasizing the differences between the two chambers.
Despite ongoing discussions, House Republicans have yet to agree on a path forward. Majority Leader Steve Scalise acknowledged that leaders are still negotiating a budget deal, with hopes of finalizing a blueprint soon. Trump is expected to meet with Republican senators at his Mar-A-Lago club this week to discuss the issue further.
Rep. Byron Donalds expressed frustration with the lack of progress, urging leadership to make a clear decision on reconciliation. Some members, like Rep. Chip Roy, continue to support a two-bill strategy, while others, such as Rep. Ralph Norman, believe more drastic spending cuts are needed.
Rep. Andy Barr, on the other hand, voiced support for a single bill, echoing Speaker Johnson’s approach. He stressed the urgency of making a decision and urged Republicans to show unity behind the president’s agenda.
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