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04/03/2025
Senate GOP Unveils Budget Framework to Advance Trump’s Agenda
Republicans are focused on making the TCJA cuts permanent
Senate Republicans introduced a new budget framework yesterday, marking a critical step toward using the reconciliation process to push forward President Trump’s domestic policy priorities.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) is aiming to pass the budget resolution this week, with a vote to begin consideration taking place today. If advanced, the process would trigger a marathon voting session – known as a vote-a-rama – that will likely extend into the weekend before a final decision is reached.
For the plan to move forward, both the House and Senate must adopt identical budget resolutions. While the Senate previously approved a budget resolution, this new framework represents the party’s second attempt to craft a plan that can gain support in the House.
"Today is one of the most important steps toward ensuring the Republican majority fulfills its promise to the American people that we will secure our border, strengthen our national security, make President Trump's tax cuts permanent and reduce spending," said Senate Budget Committee Chair Lindsey Graham (R-SC).
The proposed framework includes a $5 trillion increase to the nation’s debt limit to prevent a potential financial default this summer.
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It also seeks to make permanent the tax cuts originally passed during Trump’s first term.
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The House-approved $4.5 trillion Trump tax plan is incorporated into the package, with the Senate framework assuming that extending provisions from the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) will not add to the deficit – an assertion Senate Democrats have criticized.
“We can't control the debt if legislators are using phony comparisons to hide the production of massive deficit increases,” said Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Ranking Member of the Senate Budget Committee.
As negotiations continue, the framework’s fate will depend on whether Republicans can align both chambers behind a unified budget resolution – a crucial step before advancing tax, border, energy, and defense legislation later this year through the reconciliation process.
This article was provided to OSAP by ASAE's Power of Associations and Inroads.
