House Approves Budget Framework Including SAVE America Funding and Stock-Trading Restrictions

The House approved a budget reconciliation framework by a vote of 216-214 that earmarks $10 billion over ten years for election-related grants intended to encourage states to adopt stricter voting rules. The $95 billion package also includes funding for ongoing military operations and assistance for farmers affected by tariff policies. The reconciliation process would allow the Senate to consider the measures with a simple majority, bypassing the filibuster threshold.

Separately, the chamber passed legislation prohibiting members of Congress and their families from buying individual stocks, a proposal that received bipartisan support and passed 232-198. The bill also contains a voter-identification requirement for ballot casting, which Democrats criticized as a partisan addition.

Republican leaders indicated that the SAVE America provisions may face procedural challenges, as the Senate parliamentarian previously ruled they did not meet budgetary criteria. Senate Majority Leader John Thune expressed doubt about the proposal’s chances, noting internal strategic differences with House Speaker Mike Johnson.

The House also approved a short-term funding measure to avert a government shutdown at the end of September, while both chambers face tight legislative calendars due to upcoming recesses and the approaching midterm elections.