House Approves $95 Billion GOP Budget Proposal, Faces Senate Hurdles

The House of Representatives adopted a $95 billion budget proposal on Wednesday. This plan, pushed forward by Republicans, aims to fund the war in Iran and other priorities set by the Trump administration. Despite opposition from Democrats and some Republicans, the vote passed with a narrow margin of 216-214.

House Speaker Mike Johnson spearheaded this effort, believing it to be the most feasible way to push President Trump’s priorities through a divided Congress. Two Republicans and one independent sided with Democrats in opposing the proposal. The main contention stems from the lack of offsetting budget cuts, which has made some conservatives wary.

According to Rep. Jodey Arrington, chairman of the Budget Committee, “Just bullets and bombs to finish the job.” In contrast, Democrats argued that the funds should improve domestic conditions, such as reducing costs for Americans. Rep. Pete Aguilar criticized the allocation of resources, emphasizing domestic needs over military efforts abroad.

Currently, Congress is deadlocked on the U.S. military’s involvement in Iran. While unable to halt military actions ordered by Trump, Congress has not sanctioned the use of U.S. military force or the expenses associated with it. Recent polls indicated a majority of Americans disapprove of the military strategy in Iran.

In recent developments, Trump attended a solemn ceremony for four service members who were killed in the Middle East, bringing the military death toll to 18. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth informed the Senate about the Pentagon’s dwindling funds, even after receiving a one-time $150 billion allotment in the previous year’s budget.

The budget proposal allocates $60 billion for the Pentagon and $13 billion for other national security requirements. Additionally, $12 billion is designated to assist farmers affected by tariffs, while another $10 billion will facilitate voting law changes consistent with the SAVE America Act and the requirement for proof of citizenship, a priority for Trump.

The House relied on a reconciliation process, a budget strategy that allows for majority approval, bypassing the need for a supermajority that could filibuster the proposal. This method, once rare, has been a go-to for pushing disputed points through Congress, including Trump’s significant tax breaks and spending decisions.

Opposition voices include Rep. Kevin Kiley, now an independent, who argued that war funding demands bipartisan effort. He emphasized the need for Congress to be more actively involved in pursuing an end to the conflict.

This marks the third use of reconciliation by GOP leaders, designated as version 3.0. Should the House approve, the budget resolution proceeds to the Senate, prompting intensive amendment sessions. These sessions are generally unwelcome, particularly during election years.

Senate Reactions

Senate Majority Leader John Thune has not committed to the House’s proposal. His GOP majority is also split, with varied interests either in increasing military funds or balancing costs with cuts.

Currently, Thune’s priority is to prevent a government shutdown by endorsing a stopgap funding measure. Should legislative disagreements persist, Thune might leverage the House budget resolution to keep the government operational once fiscal year funds expire on September 30.

Thune has also opposed the SAVE America Act due to its voter ID requirements. Despite being favored by some Trump supporters, it lacks sufficient support among Senate Republicans to pass.

Critics argue that these proposals could complicate voting for legitimate U.S. citizens, although noncitizens are already legally barred from participating in federal elections.