Senate Budget Committee Chairman Lindsey Graham, a Republican from South Carolina, announced plans to advance a budget proposal aimed at enabling the GOP to implement significant portions of President Donald Trump’s agenda without the risk of a filibuster. Speaking to reporters at the Capitol, Graham emphasized the urgency of moving forward with a budget resolution that would facilitate the reconciliation process, allowing for the allocation of substantial funding toward border security and military spending.
The Senate budget committee is set to begin reviewing a budget resolution that proposes $175 billion for securing the U.S. southern border and an additional $150 billion for military enhancements. Graham stated, "It would be enough money for four years to implement President Trump’s border agenda, immigration agenda on the security side." This comes after a closed-door briefing where Graham and other GOP senators were urged by key administration officials, including OMB Director Russ Vought and border czar Tom Homan, to secure more funding, as Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is reportedly running low on resources.
Graham’s comments highlight a divide between Senate and House Republicans regarding the legislative strategy to support Trump’s priorities. While Senate Republicans favor a two-bill approach to expedite action on border security and military funding, House leaders advocate for a comprehensive single bill that encompasses multiple priorities, including immigration, energy, defense, and tax cuts. House Speaker Mike Johnson expressed skepticism about the Senate’s proposal, indicating that the House is not yet aligned on how to proceed with a unified bill.
The reconciliation process is crucial for the GOP, as it allows legislation to pass with a simple majority, bypassing the 60-vote threshold typically required to overcome a filibuster. This strategy was previously employed by Democrats to advance key parts of President Biden’s agenda. With 53 Republican senators, the party is unlikely to receive Democratic support, making reconciliation a strategic necessity.
As both chambers work towards a budget resolution, Graham noted that committees will also be tasked with identifying offsets for the proposed spending on border security and defense. The ongoing discussions reflect the complexities of uniting various factions within the Republican Party while striving to fulfill the administration’s policy goals. The outcome of these negotiations will significantly impact the GOP’s ability to enact Trump’s agenda in the coming months.