Senate Concludes Vote-a-Rama

The Senate approved S.Con.Res.7 in the early morning hours of Friday, Feb. 21, concluding a vote-a-rama that began the night before and lasted over 10 hours. The final vote was 52-48, with Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) joining Democrats in opposing the resolution. Senators took roll call votes on 25 amendments and approved only two—one offered by Sen. Mike Lee (R-UT) related to increasing spending efficiencies by reducing federal regulations on outlays, and a second from Sen. Dan Sullivan (R-AK) related to protecting Medicare and Medicaid. Eight amendments also failed by voice vote, for a total of 33 considered amendments. Click here for a complete tracker of the amendments.

House Republicans continue to pursue a one-bill approach to budget reconciliation; their resolution contains tax extensions along with energy and immigration reforms and a $4 trillion increase in the debt limit. The Senate version is a two-bill reconciliation path with the first bill focusing on energy and immigration. President Donald Trump endorsed the House’s single bill strategy ahead of the Senate’s vote-a-rama, expressing his preference for “one big, beautiful bill.” Senate Budget Committee Chairman Lindsey Graham (R-SC) subsequently reframed the Senate’s two-pronged reconciliation effort as a “plan B” option in case the House falls short of its current plan. The House Rules Committee will consider the House’s budget resolution (H.Con.Res.14) on Monday, setting up floor action later next week.

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