House Budget Committee Advances $95 Billion Spending Resolution by 20-14 Vote

The House Budget Committee advanced a budget resolution on Thursday by a 20-14 party-line vote that sets ceilings of up to $95 billion in new spending without offsets. The measure instructs committees to draft a filibuster-proof reconciliation bill covering defense funding, farm aid and voter identification requirements.

The resolution includes up to $73 billion for defense operational costs tied to the Iran war, up to $12 billion in economic aid to farmers and up to $10 billion to implement proof-of-citizenship and photo ID rules under the SAVE America Act, according to the committee document.

House Budget Committee Chairman Jodey Arrington said after the vote that establishing a framework was the priority. He added that the process had only begun and that further debate would address remaining concerns before the measure reaches the House floor and Senate. Rep.

Eric Burlison said Republicans should identify fraud and waste to offset the new spending rather than allow it without offsets. Rep. Thomas Massie said he is likely to oppose the measure because it would serve as a vehicle for funding the Iran war.

House Speaker Mike Johnson said Democrats had refused to work on election integrity and defense priorities, so Republicans would move a narrow package. He said the House plans to adopt the resolution next week and send it to the Senate before the August recess.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune said he has not committed to the House timeline and described the effort as a risky proposition, questioning whether Senate Republicans could secure the 50 votes needed.