Senate Republicans are considering the use of a third reconciliation package to replenish the Pentagon's depleted weapons stocks. They view this option as a backup plan while House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) attempts to pass a rule, a short-term government funding bill, and a budget resolution to enable reconciliation. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) expressed uncertainty about the House's ability to pass the measures, noting potential challenges due to lack of offsets.
Republican senators are keeping their options open regarding Johnson's plan. Senator Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) indicated that Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer might engage in shutdown politics, supporting the use of reconciliation for that purpose. However, he also mentioned that his support would be limited beyond that.
Former President Trump is urging House Republicans to support the budget resolution ahead of a crucial week in Congress, emphasizing its importance for advancing a budget bill. The Office of Management and Budget Director Russ Vought is expected to negotiate with Republican members to secure support.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is scheduled to testify before the Senate Appropriations Committee to advocate for the administration's funding request, which includes significant amounts for munitions replenishment related to operations in Iran.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune cautioned that the reconciliation package faces significant hurdles, even if it passes the House. Some Senate Republicans, including Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), have expressed reservations about the reconciliation process.
The White House has provided a list of spending anomalies to appropriators, signaling a preference for a stopgap spending bill to prevent a government shutdown. Senators, including Bill Cassidy (R-La.), have indicated a desire for a clean continuing resolution to navigate through the upcoming election.
The Senate is pursuing a dual strategy of advancing appropriations while keeping reconciliation as a fallback option if negotiations falter.