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Senate Republicans are actively working on a compromise budget resolution aimed at propelling President Trump’s legislative initiatives forward. A vote on this measure may happen as soon as this week.
Last month, both the House and Senate Republicans established their respective budget frameworks, with the House opting for an all-encompassing bill—a concept President Trump has termed “one big, beautiful bill.” Meanwhile, the Senate is pursuing a dual-track approach. Efforts are now focused on reconciling these differing plans.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) indicated that the Senate could vote on the compromise this week, with the process likely involving a vote-a-rama. A significant factor in moving forward is the Senate parliamentarian’s decision on whether Republicans can apply the current policy baseline—a budgetary strategy that could aid in making the 2017 Trump tax cuts permanent.
This week, the House is also set to deliberate a bill limiting district court judges’ authority to issue injunctions. Concerns arose following a ruling that hindered the administration’s ability to deport Venezuelan migrants, prompting Trump, Elon Musk, and other GOP members to voice their frustrations.
Additionally, the House may consider a resolution on parental proxy voting. This follows a discharge petition led by Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-Fla.), which forces a vote on the measure despite opposition from Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.). The House Task Force on the Declassification of Federal Secrets, headed by Luna, plans to hold hearings regarding newly released files about the assassination of former President John F. Kennedy.
Senate GOP Plans for a Compromise Budget Vote
The Senate is poised to cast a vote on a proposed compromise budget resolution, with Thune suggesting that this could occur within the week. However, uncertainties linger as the chamber seeks to finalize a unified framework.
A critical issue is whether Republicans can leverage the current policy baseline during the reconciliation process. Utilizing this approach would potentially enable the party to solidify Trump’s 2017 tax cuts without exacerbating the deficit.
The Senate parliamentarian’s ruling is essential before any budget compromise can be voted upon. A favorable decision would require Republican leaders to rally support from fiscal conservatives skeptical of the plan. Conversely, an unfavorable ruling would necessitate a re-evaluation of strategies to ensure permanent tax cuts.
On top of these uncertainties, Republicans must deliberate on the extent of spending cuts included in the budget resolution. The House GOP’s proposal includes a target of at least $1.5 trillion in reductions, pushing for up to $2 trillion. This would obligate the Energy and Commerce Committee to identify nearly $880 billion in cuts, which may lead to reductions in Medicaid, causing concern among some Republican lawmakers.
Interestingly, there appears to be a consensus forming around increasing the debt limit within the reconciliation bill. Though the House GOP’s proposal suggests a $4 trillion hike, there has been hesitance among some Senate Republicans regarding this figure.
After a meeting involving Thune, Johnson, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, and other key figures, indications suggest that there may be unified support for addressing the debt limit.
House GOP Moves to Restrict District Court Injunctions
This week, the House is set to vote on legislation aimed at curtailing the jurisdiction of district court judges to issue nationwide injunctions. This legislative response follows calls from Trump and various GOP members for the impeachment of judges perceived as obstructing the administration’s directives.
The House Rules Committee is expected to review the No Rogue Rulings Act, sponsored by Rep. Darrell Issa (R-Calif.), during its hearing. If the bill progresses, a floor debate and subsequent vote are anticipated later this week.
The proposed legislation would limit the capacity of district judges—of which there are currently 677—to issue injunctions that affect parties beyond those directly involved in specific cases. This would effectively ban nationwide injunctions.
This move follows a ruling by Judge James Boasberg that restrained the Trump administration’s ability to use the Alien Enemies Act concerning Venezuelan migrants. While calls for Boasberg’s impeachment have arisen, many anticipate that such an initiative will struggle to gain traction in either chamber.
In a recent address, House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-La.) emphasized that the proposed legislation is essential to preventing perceived judicial overreach that hampers the President’s policy initiatives.
Luna Advocates for Parental Proxy Voting
This week could see heightened discussions around parental proxy voting as Luna plans to advance her resolution allowing this practice, despite significant opposition from Johnson and his team.
While the timing for her resolution remains unclear, Luna suggested action could occur soon, stating that reporters would “have a good news cycle next week.”
Luna has effectively utilized a discharge petition to bring Rep. Brittany Pettersen’s (D-Colo.) resolution to the floor, which supports proxy voting for lawmakers who are new parents for a period of up to 12 weeks. A total of 218 members backed this initiative, including 11 Republicans, ensuring its progression.
Johnson has criticized proxy voting as unconstitutional and is working to thwart the resolution’s advancement. One potential strategy includes introducing measures in an unrelated resolution that could effectively disable the proxy voting initiative, necessitating solid unity among Luna’s supporters to overcome procedural obstacles.
The urgency of the debate has intensified recently, with Luna indicating on social media her discontent with current caucus affiliations due to the proxy voting controversy.
House Task Force to Examine JFK Files
The House Task Force on the Declassification of Federal Secrets is set to hold a pivotal hearing regarding the files related to the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. Scheduled for Tuesday at 2 p.m., this hearing follows the recent release of additional government documents regarding JFK’s assassination.
Testifying at the hearing will be filmmaker Oliver Stone, journalist Jefferson Morley, and researcher James DiEugenio.
During his second term, Trump has emphasized the importance of declassifying documents connected to the 1963 assassination. He initiated this process shortly after taking office, directing the release of federal documents associated not only with JFK but also with figures like Robert F. Kennedy and Martin Luther King Jr.
Following the National Archives’ recent disclosure of thousands of documents pertaining to JFK, Luna expressed that the upcoming hearing is just the beginning of their efforts to uncover more truths surrounding the assassination.
“After six decades of deception and secrecy surrounding the assassination of President Kennedy, the Trump Administration is lifting the veil and giving the American people the truth,” Luna noted, highlighting the task force’s commitment to investigating and presenting findings to the public.
“Our hearing is the first step and we look forward to hearing from our witnesses,” she added.
Source
thehill.com