Budget Reconciliation Moves Forward

During the week of May 12, the House held markups in the Ways & Means, Energy & Commerce, and Agriculture Committees as the next step in the budget reconciliation process. During the Agriculture Committee markup, the Republicans indicated their support for the bill while Democrats voiced their opposition to the SNAP cost-share and Thrifty Food Plan modifications. The bill would cut $296 billion over 10 years through the new nutrition provisions and make key farm bill investments including farm safety net, conservation, trade promotion programs, and key research investments. None of the more than 30 amendments offered by the Democrats were accepted and the bill was approved by a party line vote. The bill, known as the “One Big, Beautiful Bill,” passed the House by a narrow margin 215-214 on May 22 and now moves to the Senate for deliberation where it is expected to be significantly modified. The House Majority Leader has indicated his goal is to have a final bill ready for the President’s signature by July 4.