Republicans doubt passage of third reconciliation bill amid tight schedule
House and Senate Republicans express skepticism about advancing a $95 billion reconciliation package before the August recess, citing internal divisions and procedural hurdles.
Republicans in both chambers are uncertain they can move a third reconciliation bill through Congress before the August recess. The proposal, a $95 billion budget resolution that would fund the war in Iran, incorporate elements of the SAVE America Act and include spending cuts, faces opposition from moderates, fiscal conservatives and members who oppose provisions such as Planned Parenthood funding bans.
A House Republican who asked to remain anonymous said the bill is unlikely to be completed by next week, noting the party’s slim majority and competing priorities. Senate Republican Lisa Murkowski said she does not expect the measure to pass, adding she is not a fan of the current proposal.
Leadership must first secure the budget resolution on the House floor, where dissent is already emerging. Rep. Thomas Massie warned the plan could become a “slush fund” for the Iran war, while former GOP member Rep. Kevin Kiley said he will not support it. With Democrats expected to vote against the resolution, Republicans can afford only three defections, a margin that Speaker Mike Johnson must protect.
The White House is urging passage, with Vice President JD Vance relaying President Donald Trump’s support and encouraging lawmakers to advance as much of the SAVE America Act as possible. Even if the House approves the resolution, the bill would still need Senate approval, a parliamentary review and a final House vote.
Senators John Thune and Bill Cassidy expressed caution, with Cassidy emphasizing that any reconciliation package should be fully funded. Other senators, including Josh Hawley and Thom Tillis, have stipulated conditions such as banning Planned Parenthood funding and opposing any voting-law language.
Internal disagreements also center on the SAVE America Act. Some Republicans view the proposed state-funded voter-ID provisions as insufficient, with one lawmaker calling the provisions “snake oil.”
Despite some optimism from Speaker Johnson and a few House members, the prevailing sentiment among GOP lawmakers is that the bill faces significant obstacles and may not survive the legislative calendar.