The Senate initiated its extensive series of votes on Friday night. This requires Republicans to pass in order to validate amendments to the House proposal for President Donald Trump's budget.
The ongoing amendment voting commenced after nearly a full day of debate. Republicans advanced a significant measure on Thursday and kicked off the process. This will culminate with a vote on modifications to the House GOP budget.
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Senate minority leader Chuck Schumer, DN.Y. and John Tune, the majority leader, Rs.D. (Reuters)
In the “voting for the Llama,” senators from both parties can propose an unlimited number of amendments, with numerous anticipated to succeed in floor votes. Democrats aim to leverage this voting marathon to compel Republicans to officially account for Trump’s tariffs and actions from Elon Musk-led Office of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
Republicans will preempt Trump’s budget and initiate a prolonged Senate vote
President Donald Trump presents charts while discussing mutual tariff remarks at an event in the Rose Garden called “Make America Wealthy,” at the White House in Washington on April 2, 2025. (Getty Images)
On Thursday, the Senate reached a consensus that it would continue along party lines with votes of 52-48.
The sole exception was Sen. Rand Paul, who opposed it. He has raised concerns about budget amendment provisions related to debt limits, which would rise up to $5 trillion.
During the last similar voting series in February, the Senate conducted votes for approximately 10 hours early in the day. The budget they approved reflected the Senate GOP’s preferred plan of adopting two budgetary resolutions for border funding and the extension of Trump’s tax cuts.
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Senator Rand Paul speaks to reporters following a Senate luncheon at the U.S. Capitol on April 1, 2025. (Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc, Getty Images)
However, the House’s approach to address both issues within a single bill ultimately prevailed after receiving Trump’s approval.
The duration of the voting remains uncertain. This is dependent on how many votes each amendment will receive, and when the leaders from both parties arrive at agreement in the Senate.
GOP members will support the Senate’s preliminary resolution despite the White House’s contradiction.
Republicans aren't always aligned on budget resolutions. (Reuters)
Once the voting series concludes, a final vote will approve the Senate revisions to the House budget. Even with this approval, it will need to return to the lower chamber before it is enacted.
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Alongside raising the debt ceiling and diminishing leverage from Senate Democrats, the Senate budget amendment will also introduce Trump tax cuts to Budget Committee Chairman Lindsey Graham, Rs.C.
