WASHINGTON — In a significant move on Friday morning, the Republican-controlled Senate passed a $340 billion budget blueprint aimed at increasing funding for President Donald Trump's immigration enforcement efforts, enhancing energy production, and strengthening the military. The decision was made following a lengthy session known as a “vote-a-rama,” where senators voted on 33 amendments over a 10-hour span, culminating in a 52-48 vote.
The pivotal vote saw Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., siding with all 47 Democrats in opposition to the budget resolution, citing concerns over fiscal responsibility. Senate Budget Committee Chair Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., emphasized the necessity of the bill, stating, “Without this bill passing, there is no hope of getting money for the border.”
The Senate plan now puts pressure on the GOP-controlled House to consider its version of the budget, which also includes a $4.5 trillion tax cut and a $4 trillion debt limit hike. President Trump has endorsed the House version, referring to it as “one big, beautiful bill.” However, GOP senators suggest that their version could serve as a fallback if the House blueprint fails.
Senate rules permit an unlimited number of amendments, and Democrats aimed to challenge Republicans with amendments designed to protect benefits and programs they believe are at risk. One notable amendment proposed by Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., sought to prevent tax cuts for the wealthy if Medicaid funding was reduced. This amendment was narrowly defeated 49-51, with only two Republicans, Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, and Josh Hawley, R-Mo., voting in favor.
Among the few amendments that passed was one by Sen. Dan Sullivan, R-Alaska, intended to establish a deficit-neutral reserve fund to protect Medicare and Medicaid. Democrats criticized the amendment, arguing it could potentially deprive millions of Americans of their healthcare coverage.
The budget resolution instructs Senate committees to draft legislation that aligns with its objectives, which can then be expedited to the floor and passed by a simple majority. This “budget reconciliation” process allows bypassing the standard 60-vote threshold in the Senate but confines provisions to spending and taxes.
President Trump has been vocal in his support for the House's strategy, advocating for a comprehensive package that includes border enforcement, energy production, and the renewal of the 2017 Trump tax cuts. The Senate’s version is narrower and would address these tax cuts in a subsequent reconciliation package later this year.
For the budget resolution to advance, the House and Senate must align on an identical proposal, which marks only the beginning of a complex legislative process. In the House, there is a divide with conservatives pushing for substantial spending cuts, while more moderate Republicans are concerned about potential reductions to Medicaid.
Sen. John Kennedy, R-La., remarked on the challenges ahead, “The budget resolution is just patty cake. The real work begins when you start putting together the bill and the pay-fors.”
Vice President JD Vance expressed optimism about the timeline, suggesting Congress could pass a reconciliation package by May or June, despite acknowledging the ambitious nature of this timeline. “I think we’re on track to do that,” he stated, highlighting the complexities and time required to assemble such a comprehensive bill.
