Reporter’s Notebook: The House passes the baton on Trump’s spending plan
The House of Representatives is expected to make “technical corrections” to President Donald Trump’s spending bill on Wednesday. This process, known as the “Byrd Bath,” involves excluding provisions from the bill that do not align with special Senate budget rules in order to avoid a filibuster.
Senate Republicans are currently working with Senate Parliamentarian Elizabeth MacDonough to ensure that the bill complies with the necessary budget rules. Any items that do not fit within these rules will be removed from the bill before it is sent back to the Senate.
Once the House completes these adjustments, they will embed the changes into a “rule” to prepare the bill for debate and a vote on Friday. The bill includes cuts to funding for USAID and public broadcasting.
House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., expressed confidence in the process, stating that he does not anticipate any unexpected challenges. He emphasized the importance of defending the bill that was sent to the Senate, highlighting the time and effort that went into crafting a balanced proposal.
Overall, the focus is on ensuring that the bill meets the necessary criteria to move forward in the legislative process. As the House and Senate work together to make necessary adjustments, the goal is to pass a final version of the spending bill that aligns with both chambers’ priorities.
Chad Pergram, a senior congressional correspondent for FOX News Channel, provides insights into the legislative process and the key players involved in shaping the final version of the spending bill. With ongoing discussions and negotiations, lawmakers are working diligently to address any discrepancies and move the bill forward for further consideration.
