Peace Garden News

The United States Senate has passed its amendment to the budget resolution originating from the House of Representatives with a narrow margin of 51 to 48 votes. The resolution is a step towards solidifying President Trump's 2017 tax cuts, boosting national defense, enhancing both border and energy security, and reducing overall spending. The amended budget resolution will return to the House for approval, as both chambers must pass identical resolutions to proceed with the reconciliation process.

Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND) expressed his support after the vote, stating that the resolution is a testament to the collaboration among Senate Republicans to fulfill President Trump's agenda. According to Cramer, the budget resolution is designed to facilitate significant investments in national defense and border security, promote American energy dominance, curtail unnecessary spending, and prevent what he calls "the largest tax hike in American history." He criticized Democrats for submitting numerous amendments that, in his view, unnecessarily delayed the process.

The resolution allows for $1.5 trillion in additional tax cuts, includes instructions for Senate committees while preserving those from the House, and sets savings targets intended to enhance Congress' capacity to cut wasteful expenditures. Additionally, it extends the debt limit through 2027 and establishes top-line spending levels.