Republicans in the U.S. House of Representatives have introduced a $95 billion spending framework as they seek to advance key defence, agriculture and election measures before the upcoming midterm elections, when control of Congress could be at stake.
The proposal, released on Wednesday, allocates $73 billion for the military and intelligence agencies, including funding linked to the ongoing conflict involving Iran. Another $12 billion would provide assistance to American farmers affected by trade policies introduced during President Donald Trump’s administration.
The remaining $10 billion would be directed toward election-related grants as Republicans attempt to revive elements of Trump’s SAVE America Act. The legislation would require individuals to provide proof of U.S. citizenship when registering to vote and present photo identification at polling stations.
The House previously approved a separate version of the SAVE Act, but that bill has stalled in the Senate. Several Republican senators have expressed concerns that it lacks sufficient support and may not qualify for the budget reconciliation process that party leaders hope to use.
Budget reconciliation allows certain tax and spending legislation to pass the Senate with a simple majority rather than the usual 60 votes needed to overcome procedural hurdles, making it an attractive option for Republicans seeking to avoid Democratic opposition.
The proposal released this week is only a budget framework rather than final legislation. If both the House and Senate approve the outline, lawmakers would then prepare a more detailed spending package later this summer.
House Republican leaders are aiming to pass the framework before lawmakers leave Washington for the congressional summer recess next week. That would leave only a limited period to negotiate and approve the final legislation before the November elections.
Despite support from party leaders, the plan is already facing opposition from some Republicans concerned about federal spending.
Representative Warren Davidson, a member of the party’s fiscal conservative wing, has argued that any new spending should be matched by reductions elsewhere in the federal budget. Shortly after the framework was released, Davidson posted a brief response on X, writing “DOA,” meaning “dead on arrival,” to signal his opposition.
The disagreement highlights divisions within the Republican Party as leaders attempt to address national security, support the agricultural sector and advance election-related priorities while maintaining commitments to limiting government spending.
The proposal also falls short of President Trump’s calls for substantially higher defence funding. Republican leaders have sought to strike a balance between the White House’s spending priorities and concerns among lawmakers who remain cautious about increasing the federal deficit.
The coming weeks are expected to determine whether party leaders can unite Republicans behind the framework and move the legislation through Congress before lawmakers shift their focus to campaigning for the midterm elections.
