The U.S. Senate, led by Republicans, approved a $340 billion budget blueprint early Friday morning (February 21) to support President Donald Trump's agenda. The budget aims to increase funding for immigration enforcement, energy production, and the military. The decision followed a lengthy "vote-a-rama" session, where senators voted on 33 amendments over 10 hours. The final vote was 52-48, with Senator Rand Paul of Kentucky as the only Republican joining all Democrats in opposition.
Senate Budget Committee Chair Lindsey Graham emphasized the importance of the bill, stating, "Without this bill passing, there is no hope of getting money for the border."
During the session, Democrats attempted to introduce amendments to protect benefits and programs they claim are targeted for cuts. One amendment by Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer aimed to prevent tax cuts for the wealthy if Medicaid funding was reduced, but it was narrowly defeated.
The budget resolution instructs Senate committees to draft legislation that aligns with its goals, allowing for a simple majority vote. It seeks $175 billion for immigration and border enforcement and $150 billion for military expansion. The budget reconciliation process enables bypassing the 60-vote threshold but limits provisions to spending and taxes.
The budget resolution now shifts focus to the House of Representatives, which will consider its own version next week. The House plan, endorsed by President Trump, includes a $4.5 trillion tax cut and a $4 trillion debt limit increase.
President Trump has endorsed the House's strategy of a single comprehensive bill, while the Senate's plan is narrower, with tax cuts expected in a separate package later this year.