Senate Republicans are voicing objections to a $95 billion spending bill proposed by Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA), which is intended to be expedited through the House. The bill's potential impact on the deficit has raised concerns, leading Johnson to postpone efforts to address a cost-saving initiative targeting fraud.
Defense advocates are also expressing dissatisfaction with the proposed $73 billion allocation for Pentagon and intelligence funding, advocating for a larger budget if reconciliation is pursued, a process that bypasses the filibuster but is time-consuming.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) indicated that the success of Johnson in uniting his House conference will influence any future reconciliation efforts. He acknowledged skepticism within the Senate regarding the bill's viability and noted that moving forward could complicate negotiations with Democrats on various issues, including the renewal of a key surveillance program and the annual defense policy bill.
Thune emphasized the challenges of passing a reconciliation bill, citing potential delays and budgetary constraints. He remarked that it is easier to navigate such processes in the House.
The growing sentiment among fiscal conservatives is that any reconciliation bill must include spending offsets. Senator Ron Johnson (R-WI), the incoming chairman of the Senate Budget Committee, stated that while he does not wish to impose strict conditions, there may be pressure from fellow conservatives to ensure the legislation is funded.
Senator Bill Cassidy (R-LA) and Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) echoed this sentiment, advocating that new federal spending should be balanced by cuts elsewhere. Thune also suggested that defense proponents may not support the reconciliation if it only encompasses the proposed $73 billion, questioning whether the amount justifies the risks involved in advancing the legislation.
Another factor is the SAVE America Act, which includes provisions that cannot be fully passed under reconciliation due to its budgetary limitations. Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC) expressed opposition to any reconciliation bill that incorporates elements of this act.
Senator Mike Lee (R-UT), the primary Senate sponsor of the bill, has been revising proposals to ensure they meet the requirements for reconciliation, stating his willingness to support any components that can be successfully passed through this process.
Johnson continues to face challenges in gaining support from fiscal conservatives within his conference, even after a meeting with Vice President JD Vance. He aims to advance the legislation and other priorities, including a government funding bill, before the August recess.