The budget reconciliation bill has passed the House of Representatives in a 216-214 vote, authorizing spending for government agencies such as the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of War.
The bill also contains the SAVE America Act, a key legislation that would require proof of citizenship to register to vote and voter identification to cast a ballot.
Reps. Thomas Massie, R- Ky., and Warren Davidson, R-Ohio, voted against the legislation.
“Safeguarding American elections and strengthening our national defense are the most basic responsibilities of Congress and are supported by an overwhelming majority of Americans,” Johnson previously wrote in a statement.
The text, which was finalized by House leadership, the House Budget Committee, and White House, aims to enact aspects of the SAVE America Act and provide supplemental funding to strengthen and defend the American homeland.
The House GOP budget resolution instructs four committees to write reconciliation legislation: the House Administration Committee, at $10 billion for SAVE America; the House Armed Services Committee, at $60 billion; the House Intelligence Committee, at $13 billion, both for defense and Iran spending; and the House Agriculture Committee, at $12 billion for farmers.
House Minority Leader Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., slammed the budget ahead of the vote during his opposing remarks on the House floor.
“I rise today in strong opposition to this America Last Republican budget that will provide billions of additional dollars to Operation Epic Fury in the Middle East, which has been a complete and total disaster for the American people,” Jeffries said. “Donald Trump’s reckless and costly war of choice in Iran has skyrocketed gas prices on everyday Americans who are already suffering from the failed Republican economy and drowning in its poor management.
“Donald Trump and his violent mass deportation machine are spending billions of dollars for ICE to brutalize and kill American citizens or to violently target law-abiding immigrants,” he added.
Staunch supporters of the president, who voted in favor of the bill, celebrated the legislation’s passage, and are now calling on the Senate to get the bill across the finish line.
“As the budget reconciliation process moves forward, we must ensure all pieces of the House-passed SAVE America Act remain intact and work toward including significant offsets,” Rep. Andrew Clyde, R-Ga., told the Daily Signal. “The American people are counting on us to rescue our Republic by bolstering election integrity. Republicans can deliver this feat through budget reconciliation if we have the will to fight.”
“My House Freedom Caucus colleagues and I are ready to do just that, and I encourage our Republican colleagues in both chambers to join us without delay,” Clyde continued.
Rep. Marlin Stutzman, R-Ind., added, “The House has done our job in getting the framework for the SAVE America Act and crucial military funding passed and sent to the Senate. Leader [John] Thune is now the only obstacle between free, fair elections and a stronger military to defend our nation. I encourage the Senate to pass this legislation as soon as possible and give the American people what they have been asking for.”
The Daily Signal has reached out to Sen. Thune’s office for comment, but as of publication time, has not received a response.
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[ H/T The Daily Signal ]
