Senate Republicans could leapfrog House on crucial budget process as House effort stalls

The Senate is poised to take the lead in enacting President Donald Trump’s agenda through the budget reconciliation process, beating House Republicans to the punch. Senate Budget Committee Chairman Lindsey Graham has unveiled a plan to push for a committee vote next week on a first bill, with plans for an additional reconciliation bill later in the year. The first bill would include Trump’s priorities for border security, fossil fuel energy, and national defense, while the second bill would focus on extending Trump’s tax policies from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.

This move comes amid some infighting within the House GOP about spending cuts to offset the costs of Trump’s priorities. House leaders had intended to make the first move in the reconciliation process, but the Senate passing their own bill first would essentially force the lower chamber to contend with whatever product comes from the other side of Capitol Hill. It would also shift gears to a two-pronged reconciliation bill blueprint, something opposed by the House Ways & Means Committee and House GOP leaders.

Proponents of the one-bill approach are concerned about leaving Trump’s tax cuts, which expire at the end of this year, on the back burner. However, Graham has been liaising with House Freedom Caucus leaders on a two-pronged approach, in line with many Senate Republicans. By utilizing reconciliation, the party in power can advance its agenda with a simple majority vote, bypassing the need for a supermajority.

House Republicans are growing anxious about the Senate potentially jamming them with their own reconciliation bill. There is frustration and concern that the Senate may act first, leaving the House behind. However, Speaker of the House Mike Johnson maintains that the House will make the initial move in the reconciliation process.

In conclusion, the Senate is taking proactive steps to advance President Trump’s agenda through the budget reconciliation process, potentially leaving House Republicans playing catch-up. The dynamics of reconciliation and the delicate balance of power in Congress will play a crucial role in determining the outcome of this legislative push. Stay tuned for further developments as the Senate moves forward with its plans next week.