GOP Divided: Senate & House Pursue Separate Paths on Trump’s Agenda/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Republicans in Congress are pursuing separate budget strategies to advance Trump’s America First agenda. While the Senate focuses on border security and defense spending, the House proposes a broader package with tax cuts and new spending. Trump backs the House plan, urging swift passage despite Senate efforts to chart a different course.
GOP Budget Battle – Quick Looks:
- Senate plan: $342 billion for border security, defense, and Coast Guard over four years.
- House plan: $4.5 trillion in tax cuts, $300 billion in new spending, and a $1.5 trillion spending reduction.
- Trump’s stance: Fully backs House budget resolution, calls it “my FULL America First Agenda.”
- Senate Majority Leader Thune: Pursuing Senate plan but open to a House-led compromise.
- Senate “vote-a-rama” underway: A marathon amendment session forcing tough votes on key issues.
- Debt ceiling lifted: House proposal allows continued U.S. borrowing, raising debt concerns.
- Internal GOP tensions: Lawmakers torn between Trump loyalty and concerns over spending cuts.
GOP Divided: Senate & House Pursue Separate Paths on Trump’s Agenda
Deep Look:
Republicans Pursue Separate Paths to Advance Trump’s Priorities as Internal Divisions Emerge
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Republicans are divided over how best to enact President Donald Trump’s agenda through Congress, with the Senate and House advancing separate budget plans that reflect competing priorities and strategies.
While Senate Majority Leader John Thune pushes a targeted budget plan emphasizing border and defense spending, Trump has thrown his weight behind the House’s broader resolution, calling for immediate passage.
“The House Resolution implements my FULL America First Agenda, EVERYTHING, not just parts of it,” Trump declared on social media.
Despite Trump’s preference, Thune said the Senate would continue with its plan while remaining open to compromise:
“If the House can produce one big beautiful bill, we’re prepared to work with them,” Thune said. “The president also likes optionality.”
Inside the Senate Plan:
- Authored by Sen. Lindsey Graham, the Senate resolution focuses on security and defense, earmarking:
- $175 billion for border security and Homeland Security
- $150 billion for military and defense initiatives
- $20 billion for Coast Guard enhancements
Spanning four years, the plan claims funding offsets through spending cuts elsewhere, though specifics remain vague.
“Build the wall, deport illegal aliens, and fund our military,” Graham said. “These are dangerous times, and our priorities are clear.”
What’s Happening This Week:
The Senate launched debate on Tuesday, triggering a 50-hour discussion window before an intense “vote-a-rama.”
- Senators will face back-to-back amendment votes, often stretching into early morning hours.
- Amendments are designed to force tough votes on issues like immigration, defense spending, and healthcare cuts.
Sen. Patty Murray (D-WA) warned of a grueling session, criticizing GOP priorities:
“Republicans should get ready for a late night. Americans deserve to know Elon Musk is firing VA doctors and food safety inspectors.”
The House’s Bigger, Bolder Proposal:
- Led by Speaker Mike Johnson, the House plan includes:
- $4.5 trillion in tax cuts over a decade
- $300 billion in new spending across various sectors
- $1.5 trillion in spending cuts, targeting Medicaid and discretionary programs
- Debt ceiling lifted to avoid default
The proposal advanced from committee along party lines, with a full House vote expected next week.
However, the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget estimates the plan could add nearly $4 trillion to the national debt.
Trump’s Influence and GOP Calculations:
Trump’s endorsement of the House plan raises pressure on Senate Republicans to align with his agenda. Lawmakers face a dilemma:
- Support the House resolution to please Trump and avoid backlash.
- Express fiscal concerns about growing deficits and deep cuts to social programs.
Some GOP moderates, wary of cuts to Medicaid and public services, remain conflicted. Yet Trump’s influence looms large, with primary challenges possible for dissenters.
“There’s no room for hesitation,” one Trump ally warned. “We either pass the president’s agenda or face the consequences.”
What’s Next?
Both chambers must eventually reconcile their budget differences to pass legislation with simple-majority approval and avoid a Democratic filibuster. Key questions ahead:
- Can Republicans unite behind a single plan before the debt ceiling deadline?
- Will the House’s ambitious spending cuts survive Senate scrutiny?
- How will voters react to potential cuts to healthcare and social programs?
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