One day after the House passed a budget bill demanded by President Trump, Senate Republican leaders expressed optimism about reaching a deal after the Passover/Easter break. Senate Majority Whip John Barrasso emphasized the need to reverse damage done by Democrats and avoid a $4 trillion tax increase, with Senate Majority Leader John Thune under pressure to deliver $1.5 trillion in budget cuts promised to secure votes. The Senate must also address the debt ceiling and potential Medicaid or entitlement cuts to pass the bill.
Thune and Barrasso are working to secure votes from Senate GOP moderates and members with concerns over Medicaid or entitlement cuts, while also considering the impending debt ceiling issue. Thune remains optimistic about pushing through Trump’s agenda, including confirming nominations, repealing Biden regulations, drafting a tax bill, and addressing border security and national security issues. Committee leaders are working through the holiday on various legislation set for votes upon the return from break.
The House bill passed along party lines, with fiscal conservatives expressing concerns about the financial figures. Despite some GOP holdouts, the bill ultimately passed. House Speaker Mike Johnson emphasized the commitment to finding at least $1.5 trillion in savings while preserving essential programs. Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer did not respond to a request for comment on Democrats’ short-term plans.
Senate Republicans aim to pass the budget bill quickly and send it to the president’s desk. Barrasso highlighted the importance of investing in domestic energy and border security in the post-Easter period. Thune spoke about the Senate agenda being packed and the commitment to considering appropriations bills under regular order. The practices of governing by long-term continuing resolutions are considered antithetical to regular order, which promotes bipartisanship and trust between lawmakers and parties.
The Senate must address potential Medicaid or entitlement cuts, the impending debt ceiling issue, and securing votes from GOP moderates to pass the budget bill. Thune and Barrasso are working on various legislation set for votes after the holiday break. House Speaker Johnson emphasized the commitment to finding savings while preserving essential programs. Schumer did not respond to requests for comment on Democrats’ short-term plans. Overall, Senate Republicans are optimistic about pushing through Trump’s agenda and reversing damage done by Democrats.
