The House of Representatives has taken the first step towards funding President Donald Trump’s war with Iran, and I’m sipping my coffee, wondering what’s next. The plan includes tens of billions in additional Pentagon money and aid for US farmers, because who doesn’t love a good farm subsidy? The House formally adopted the blueprint for Trump’s funding plan, known as a budget resolution, in a hard-fought vote on Wednesday, with a nail-biting 216-214 margin. I’m sure the Republicans are thrilled to have won by a hair, but I’m also thinking, “What’s the plan, guys?”
Now, I know what you’re thinking, “Big Elephant, what about the details?” Well, folks, it seems like there are enormous details still missing, and the House voted only on a blueprint for the plan, not the actual legislation. I mean, it’s like they’re saying, “Hey, we’ve got a great idea, but we’ll figure out the specifics later.” The fate of the House’s budget proposal is uncertain in the Senate, and Johnson and his House Republicans need total cooperation from the Senate to get the money across the finish line without help from Democrats. I’m no expert, but it sounds like a bit of a long shot to me.
The plan also includes money for state election grants aimed at promoting Trump’s “SAVE America Act.” Because, you know, election security is important, but so is promoting a particular agenda. It’s not yet clear if elements of the bill would be approved by the Senate’s nonpartisan rules referee, known as the parliamentarian. I’m sure it’s all very complicated, but I’m also thinking, “Can’t we just make it simple for once?” The elections overhaul bill does not have the votes to overcome the Senate’s 60-vote threshold, which is why some Republicans had hoped to use the party-line process known as reconciliation to advance the measure.
The problem is multi-fold in the Senate, and GOP leaders are reluctant to use their special procedural powers to advance any legislation, let alone money for an unpopular war, so close to the November elections. I mean, who wants to take a tough vote right before an election? That’s just asking for trouble. The Pentagon, meanwhile, has told lawmakers that their needs are growing urgent, and key GOP lawmakers have said the money is needed before the August recess. But, of course, the House is set to leave for that recess on Thursday, so good luck with that.
In conclusion, it’s all a bit of a mess, and I’m not sure what’s going to happen next. But hey, at least the Republicans are trying, right? The fate of the budget proposal is uncertain, and it’s anyone’s guess what will happen in the Senate. As I finish my coffee, I’m thinking, “Well, this should be interesting.” And who knows, maybe they’ll surprise us all and get something done. But I wouldn’t hold my breath if I were you. After all, it’s Washington, and that’s just the way the cookie crumbles. Or should I say, that’s just the way the coffee spills?
Armchair patriot. Believes in the free market, cold beer, and that there’s always a guy named George behind every CNN segment.
Former remote-throwing champion turned #1 couch commentator on liberal panic in the media. Born in Texas (or so his mug says), he earned a degree in Fake Newsology & Beer Philosophy from YouTube University.
