Overview
This past week, the House voted on a “budget resolution” which outlines the general parameters and deficit limits for a future budget reconciliation bill. 217 Republicans voted yes on the bill, one Republican voted no, 215 democrats voted no, and one Democrat didn’t vote.
Now that the budget resolution has passed, a reconciliation process will start where House committees will get more specific about spending increases and cuts. Their goal is to offset the trillions of dollars that tax cuts for the wealthy that are predicted to add to the national debt. The process also restricts amendments and avoids a Senate filibuster from Democrats.
The budget resolution that occurred last week doesn’t mean all is lost on this budget bill. Again, that merely shaped the parameters for deficit increases (the upper limit that committees can add to the deficit). But the details, and what to increase spending on and what to cut, come down to future negotiations. Some moderate Republicans are particularly wary of cuts to Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid, which Trump recently promised would not face any cuts in spending. The party has also promised not to cut defense spending, making it nearly impossible to both cut taxes and spending.
There is much more opportunity during the next couple of weeks in Congress to influence what gets cut and what stays.
Action Item This Week
Calling Your House Representative
Figure out how your house representative voted on the budget resolution bill (Bill Number: H. Con. Res. 14), and call them out if they voted for it, or thank them if they voted against it. It is important for us to demonstrate that we are watching their votes.
Then tell them that when negotiating and voting on the upcoming budget reconciliation bill, that they must ensure there are no cuts to social security, Medicare, and Medicaid, and that if they vote for those cuts you will vote them out in 2026. 5calls.org will have scripts on this topic.
Calling Your Senators
Tell them that when negotiating and voting on the upcoming budget reconciliation bill, that they must ensure there are no cuts to social security, Medicare, and Medicaid, and that if they vote for those cuts you will vote them out in 2026. 5calls.org will have scripts on this topic.
Final Note
I hope everyone is seeing the amazing turnout at town halls and the pressure Congress is feeling there and via calls. Our pressure may not have turned out a positive vote on the budget resolution bill, but we did get one republican defection. Also, the consequences of voting yes on that budget resolution were not nearly as high as they’ll be when members vote on the budget reconciliation bill which will outline the specifics of the cuts. The pressure is much more significant now. If we get just one to two more (depending on attendance for the vote), we can prevent this bill from passing.
Hoping you all are staying sane and finding time for joy. Remember that joy is a form of resistance and is just as important as your activism.
--Grace