Feb 18, 2025 - Politics & Policy

"It's time to act": Senate GOP steams past House on reconciliation

Stef W. Kight

Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., center, Sens. John Barrasso, R-Wyo., and Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va., conclude a news conference the senate luncheons — At center, Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) and Sens. Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) and John Barrasso (R-Wyo.). Photo: Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call via Getty Images

Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) defied House Speaker Mike Johnson's (R-La.) warning by moving ahead Tuesday on a $300 billion budget bill.

"It's time to act," Thune posted on X.

Why it matters: Johnson is clinging to a one-bill, mega-MAGA package to overcome his tiny House majority and pass President Trump's priorities.

With the House on recess this week, he's threatened to block any Senate-passed budget bill until the House finishes its own package.

⚡️ But the Senate wants a quick win — especially on the border — before tackling the complicated and expensive tax issues.

Top Trump officials have bolstered the Senate's argument, raising the alarm about the need for more border cash.

Johnson didn't directly respond to Thune's challenge but posted that the House remains "laser-focused on sending our bill to President Trump's desk."

"It's time to act on ALL of the powerful mandates the American people gave to [Trump] in November," House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-La.) posted shortly after Thune's comments.
"All of Trump's priorities in one big, beautiful bill start moving when we pass" Rep. Jodey Arrington's (R-Texas) budget, Scalise wrote.

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"It's time to act": Senate GOP steams past House on reconciliation

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