By Maribel Velazquez
Two of the most influential voices in Republican Party in the Senate agreed that it is little doubtless that Congress will approve a third budget reconciliation lawa legislative tool that allows initiatives to advance with a simple majority and without risk of parliamentary blockage.
During a hearing on the air force budget for the next fiscal year, Republican Senator Susan Collins expressed concern about the administration’s strategy to finance some defense programs with resources that would depend on a future reconciliation law.
“It would simply suggest that you are taking a terrible risk and creating instability by relying on a third reconciliation bill,” Collins warned administration officials. Department of Defense.
McConnell: “It is not a realistic option”
The position was supported by the senator Mitch McConnellwho chairs the defense subcommittee of the Appropriations Committee and will retire at the end of this year.
“I think we can safely conclude that there won’t be another reconciliation bill, so it’s really not an option,” McConnell said during the hearing.
Collins immediately responded: “I agree with that assessment.”
The statements represent a blow to some Republican sectors that had promoted the possibility of a third legislative package focused on reducing costs for American families, combating fraud in social programs and funding government priorities. White House.
Concern about defense resources
The discussion arises while the administration seeks to obtain part of the defense resources through extraordinary mechanisms. As discussed during the hearing, about a quarter of certain requested funds would depend on future legislative measures.
In addition, legislators expected an additional request for funding related to the crisis in the middle east and the conflict with Iranalthough that request has not yet been sent to Congress.
For Collins, the safest path remains the traditional process of budget allocationswhich requires bipartisan agreements and offers greater certainty for federal agencies and programs.
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