Thune, Barrasso bullish on budget deal soon after Easter break
Senate Republicans are feeling confident about reaching a deal on the budget bill demanded by President Donald Trump. A day after the House passed its version of the bill, Senate leaders are optimistic about coming to an agreement once lawmakers return from the Passover/Easter break.
Senate Majority Whip John Barrasso, R-Wyo., emphasized the importance of passing the bill quickly to reverse the damage done by Democrats over the last four years. He highlighted the need to provide certainty to the American people and avoid the Democrats’ proposed $4 trillion tax increase.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune of South Dakota is under pressure to deliver on $1.5 trillion in budget cuts that he promised to secure votes from House conservatives. The Senate’s version of the bill only called for $4 billion in spending cuts, creating a significant difference from the House’s version.
In exchange for their votes, Thune and Barrasso must reassure Senate GOP moderates and members with concerns over potential Medicaid or entitlement cuts that they will not be affected. Additionally, Republicans will have to address the impending debt ceiling issue during the summer, as a failure to adjust for it could result in default.
Thune remains optimistic about pushing through Trump’s agenda, stating that the Senate’s agenda will be packed with nominations to confirm, Biden regulations to repeal, and various bills to draft on border, energy, and national security. Committee leaders are working on legislation that will come up for votes soon after the break.
Thune is committed to considering as many appropriations bills as possible under regular order, promoting bipartisanship and trust between lawmakers and parties. Barrasso emphasized the importance of investing in domestic energy and border security in the post-Easter return, with the goal of getting the bill passed quickly.
The House bill passed along party lines, with fiscal conservatives expressing concerns about the financial figures. Despite this, the number of GOP holdouts was reduced to two, who voted with the Democrats for different reasons.
House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., highlighted the commitment to finding at least $1.5 trillion in savings while preserving essential programs in the reconciliation package.
Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer, D-N.Y., was contacted for comment on Democrats’ short-term plans but did not respond.
Overall, Senate Republicans are optimistic about reaching a deal on the budget bill and moving forward with Trump’s agenda. The focus remains on providing certainty to the American people and addressing key financial issues facing the country.
