Republican leaders are advancing a new budget reconciliation package that includes a proposal to advance part of the SAVE America Act, while Senate leadership concentrates on averting a government shutdown before the upcoming midterm elections.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune has indicated that the House’s budget framework will be held until the Senate passes a funding extension, known as a continuing resolution, a move that could delay both the reconciliation process and the SAVE America legislation.
Negotiations on a continuing resolution are in progress between the two chambers, but some GOP members express concern that Thune’s strategy may expose the party to internal conflict.
Senator John Kennedy voiced apprehension about negotiating with the opposition, warning that conceding could lead to political retaliation.
Senator Katie Britt emphasized the responsibility of lawmakers to find a viable funding path, noting growing frustration with perceived inaction.
House Majority Leader Steve Scalise asserted that the Senate can manage both the reconciliation bill and a continuing resolution concurrently, describing the dual effort as feasible.
The House approved a continuing resolution earlier this week, while the Senate seeks a proposal capable of attracting Democratic support, a necessity given the 60‑vote threshold required to overcome a filibuster.
Appropriations Committee Chairman Tom Cole expressed openness to any measures that would prevent a shutdown, stressing the importance of continued dialogue.
Thune has floated the idea of attaching the continuing resolution to the reconciliation bill to bypass the filibuster threshold, a suggestion that Rep. Andrew Clyde criticized as mixing mandatory and discretionary funding in an unconventional manner.
The SAVE America Act faces uncertainty regarding its eligibility under reconciliation rules and its ability to secure the required 50 votes for passage.
Thune reiterated the need to reach a 50‑vote majority and emphasized that securing government funding remains the top priority.
Republican officials across both chambers agree on the imperative to keep the government operating, though some argue that both funding and election‑security measures should proceed together.
Representative Michael Cloud highlighted the importance of maintaining government operations while also addressing election security and military support, acknowledging the Senate’s independent decision‑making process.
