Republican senators passed a $340 billion budget plan early Friday, overcoming Democratic opposition in a long overnight session. This budget is a step toward funding mass deportations and border security, which are key priorities for the Trump administration. The session, known as a “vote-a-rama,” involved voting on multiple amendments, mostly proposed by Democrats trying to stop the bill. However, Republicans used their majority to push it through with a 52-48 vote, with only one Republican senator voting against it.
Senate Budget Committee Chair Lindsey Graham, a Republican from South Carolina, said the budget process would help meet President Trump’s immigration goals. He emphasized that the administration’s deportation operations are running out of funds and need congressional approval for more resources.
Democrats, with little power to stop the bill, used the debate to challenge Republicans with difficult votes, including one aimed at blocking tax breaks for billionaires, which failed. Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer warned that this was just the beginning of a long battle.
What’s in the Republican Budget Plan?
The plan allows up to $175 billion for border security, including mass deportations and building the U.S.-Mexico border wall. Additionally, it provides $150 billion for the Pentagon and $20 billion for the Coast Guard. However, no money will be spent immediately. The budget resolution is just a framework, instructing Senate committees to work out the details before another vote takes place.
Republican Senator John Barrasso of Wyoming stated that the budget would help finish the border wall, hire more agents, add more detention beds, and increase deportation flights. Republicans claim the spending will be covered through budget cuts and new revenue sources instead of increasing national debt.
Some proposed cost-saving measures include rolling back President Biden’s methane emissions fee and increasing revenue from energy leases. To counter concerns about cutting social programs, an amendment was added stating that Medicaid and Medicare would be protected.
Democrats’ Response
Democrats proposed several amendments, including measures to prevent tax breaks for billionaires. They argue that the 2017 Republican tax cuts primarily benefited the wealthy and that extending them would continue this trend. Some Republicans, including Senators Susan Collins and Josh Hawley, supported certain Democratic amendments.
Democrats also focused on reversing cuts to federal agencies, protecting government workers, and supporting Ukraine. Senator Patty Murray criticized the budget, stating it prioritizes tax cuts for the wealthy over programs that families rely on.
Next Steps in Congress
The budget resolution sets up the reconciliation process, which allows bills to pass with a simple majority, avoiding a filibuster. However, Republicans are divided on the strategy. The House wants a single, all-inclusive bill, while the Senate prefers to handle border security first and tax cuts later.
Former President Trump is encouraging both approaches, seeing which will move forward the fastest. As the debate continues, the final outcome remains uncertain.
