President Donald Trump has stunned Senate Republicans by endorsing the House-drafted budget framework in a public call, catching many off guard and leaving them uncertain about their next moves.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune expressed surprise at Trump's unexpected support for the House plan, which came without prior notice. This endorsement has forced senators to reconsider their strategies moving forward.
Senate's Reaction and Uncertainty
After a morning meeting with Senate Budget Chair Lindsey Graham, Thune indicated that they were planning to proceed but were seeking more clarity from the White House on their stance. Vice President JD Vance was expected to clarify the administration's position at a Senate GOP policy lunch.
While some senators support Trump's endorsement, others, like Sen. Ron Johnson, advocate for sticking to the Senate's original plan, questioning the House's ability to pass its budget.
Challenges and Frustrations
The timing of Trump's endorsement adds to the frustration as House Republicans are currently on recess while Senate Republicans are working on their budget resolution. The Senate's vote on the budget resolution has been delayed as they await further discussions following Trump's unexpected move.
Graham, when asked about the impact of Trump's endorsement on their budget, refrained from commenting until after JD's lunchtime briefing. Senate GOP Whip John Barrasso confirmed that their budget resolution was still on schedule but acknowledged ongoing discussions.
Trump's Unpredictability
Trump's endorsement of the House budget is not the first time he has surprised Senate Republicans, highlighting his ability to disrupt the legislative agenda without warning. His past actions, such as unexpected nominations and calls for recess appointments, have kept senators on edge.
The ongoing tension within the GOP over how to enact Trump's agenda remains, with conflicting signals from the administration and varying preferences between the House and Senate approaches.
Path Forward and Senate's Perspective
Despite the challenges, many Senate Republicans believe their plan aligns better with Trump's priorities, especially concerning border security and military funding. They continue to doubt the House's ability to pass its budget given the tight margins and policy disagreements within their caucus.
While Trump's endorsement has energized some House Republicans, it has also raised concerns with his remarks on Medicare and Medicaid cuts, diverging from the House's budget proposals.
Overall, Trump's more active role in pushing his agenda forward signals a sense of urgency among senators to deliver results before time runs out.
Note: This content will be regularly reviewed and updated to ensure its relevance and accuracy.
Meredith Lee Hill, Lisa Kashinsky, and Joe Gould contributed to this report.
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