Key House committee advances framework for reconciliation 3.0

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The House Budget Committee on Thursday advanced a framework for a third reconciliation bill, marking a key step for Republican leaders as they race to get the measure across the finish line before leaving for a monthlong recess in August.

The committee voted 20-14 to advance the budget resolution. Rep. Chip Roy (R-Texas), who had previously expressed concerns about spending levels, did not vote. He said he left the Capitol earlier in the day, saying he needed to deal with major flooding in his district.

The budget framework released Wednesday outlines $73 billion for defense and intelligence funding, $12 billion for agriculture aid and $10 billion for a fund to encourage Trump-backed voting restrictions.

“We are going to use reconciliation to make a run at doing what we think will save this country for our children’s future and for the remainder of this century,” House Budget Committee Chair Jodey Arrington (R-Texas) said in opening remarks at the hearing.

The package could face hurdles once it reaches the floor, however. It is significantly scaled back from what some Republicans hoped to see, and it doesn’t include “pay-fors” or spending cuts for the $95 billion, which fiscal hawk conservatives have raised concerns over.

“There is no will to spend less or honestly pay for massive spending. Deficits, Debt, and Debasement all the way to the crash site. Nothing stops this train. Make a plan,” Rep. Warren Davidson (R-Ohio) wrote on the social platform X.

Democrats railed against the budget resolution during the committee meeting, arguing that it would only increase the deficit and doesn’t improve the lives of Americans.

“The top issue today is affordability. You might think the majority would want to spend time in a reconciliation bill addressing the number one issue on voters’ minds,” Rep. Brendan Boyle (D-Pa.), ranking member of the House Budget Committee said. “Well, I can tell you 47 pages in their bill, 6560 words, and not one word on bringing down costs for the American people.”

House GOP leaders are hoping to get the resolution on the floor next week. However, it is unclear whether Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) will have the support from conservative fiscal hawks, who have railed against the increasing deficit.

Rep. Rich McCormick (R-Ga.) told reporters Thursday the lack of offsets in the bill would be a “concern” for him, too.

“Obviously, I’m a fiscal hawk, but I have to see what the math is because I haven’t seen it yet,” McCormick said.

The blueprint would need to pass both chambers, before serving as a guide to committees drafting the final reconciliation bill.

Emily Brooks contributed to this report.

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Brendan Boyle

Chip Roy

Jodey Arrington

Mike Johnson

Rich McCormick

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