U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson is facing a significant legislative hurdle as he attempts to fast-track a $95 billion budget reconciliation package, dubbed “Reconciliation 3.0.” The proposed legislation aims to provide $73 billion for defense and intelligence operations—specifically targeting the ongoing 138-day military engagement in Iran—alongside $12 billion in agricultural aid and provisions from the “SAVE America Act” election overhaul.
The House Budget Committee advanced the resolution in a 20-14 party-line vote on Thursday, setting the stage for a floor vote next week. However, the plan faces stiff opposition from within the Republican conference. Critics, including Rep. Warren Davidson and Rep. Nancy Mace, have voiced strong disapproval over the lack of spending offsets, arguing that the package adds $95 billion to the national deficit without addressing the cost of living.
Because the reconciliation process allows for passage with a simple majority, Speaker Johnson cannot afford more than three GOP defections. Vice President JD Vance has engaged in efforts to rally support, emphasizing the inclusion of election integrity measures to appease the conference. Despite this, the bill faces an uncertain future in the Senate, where Republicans like Sen. Thom Tillis and Sen. Bill Cassidy have publicly criticized the lack of fiscal discipline, signaling that the path to enactment remains fraught with political risk.