Senate Republicans secured a legislative victory over their House counterparts early Friday morning after an all-night 10 hour session, passing their preferred budget resolution aimed at advancing many of President Donald Trump’s key priorities, including enhanced border security.
The measure was approved by a 52-48 margin, with Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky being the lone Republican to dissent. All Senate Democrats opposed the bill. “This budget resolution addresses the president’s foremost priority—securing the border, implementing his immigration policies, strengthening our military, and establishing energy independence for our nation,” Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., stated ahead of the vote.
Senate Republicans initiated the budget reconciliation process earlier in the month, advancing their proposal through committee and overcoming a significant procedural challenge. This move was unexpected, as House Republicans were initially expected to take the lead in budget negotiations. Despite Trump’s public endorsement of the House’s version earlier in the week, Thune and Senate Budget Committee Chairman Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., pushed forward with their plan, reports Fox News.
The Senate Republicans’ budget framework consists of two phases. The first reconciliation bill focuses on border security, energy policies, and national defense, aligning with Trump’s priorities. The second bill, to be developed later in the year, will address the extension of tax provisions from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA), which are set to expire at the end of 2025.
Following the bill’s passage, Graham expressed his satisfaction, stating, “As Senate Budget Committee Chairman, I am incredibly pleased with the discipline shown by my Senate Republican colleagues in advancing what could become the most transformative border security legislation in history.”
Graham added, “I hope the House can consolidate these efforts into a single bill that aligns with President Trump’s objectives. However, this approach provides urgently needed funding to sustain our momentum in securing the border, enforcing immigration laws, and rebuilding the military. Time is critical.”
The Senate’s decision to proceed with its two-part budget plan, as opposed to the House’s single-bill strategy, received approval from Vice President JD Vance, according to a source from Fox News Digital. Trump himself acknowledged their work on Truth Social, expressing gratitude for the Senate’s commitment to funding his border security agenda.
Following the budget resolution’s approval, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., criticized the Republican approach, stating, “Tonight, amendment by amendment, Democrats exposed the true priorities of Senate Republicans. For the first time this year, they were forced to publicly defend their plans to cut taxes for Trump’s billionaire allies. What happened tonight is just the beginning—this debate will continue for weeks or even months, and Democrats will ensure the American people know the truth.”
I trust NOTHING that Granny Gramnesty has had his grubby little fingers in……INCLUDING John McStain!