GOP Skepticism Grows Over Reconciliation Route to Record Defense Budget
TL;DR
Top Republican senators on the Senate Appropriations Committee say the proposed $350 billion reconciliation bill to reach a $1.5 trillion defense budget is unlikely to pass, arguing there will be no further reconciliation bills. The Pentagon structured its request to fund about $1.15 trillion through regular appropriations with the remainder via reconciliation. While House Republicans back the plan, Senate critics warn it would create instability by relying on a one-time infusion instead of base funding; the Air Force seeks $16 billion in reconciliation for F-35s and missiles, and without it, prioritization would occur within existing funds.
- Republican senators say Pentagon’s proposed reconciliation bill ‘not an option’ Stars and Stripes
- Ways and Means chair warns he ‘won’t support’ next reconciliation bill without tax provisions - Live Updates Politico
- Collins, McConnell: ‘Safe to conclude’ third reconciliation bill not happening The Hill
- GOP plots third reconciliation bill as midterm clock ticks KXAN Austin
- ‘Not an option’: Top Senate defense appropriator says third reconciliation bill unlikely Breaking Defense
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