Republican leaders laid the groundwork for a final dash to pass partisan legislative priorities before August recess. But if this week was any indication, it won’t be an easy run.
First, Washington was struck by the sudden death of Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., on July 11. Moving quickly, South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster chose Graham’s sister, Darline Graham, to serve out his term, and she was sworn in on Tuesday.
The House saw a few notable wins early in the week, including successful maneuverings from Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., to get past a legislative blockade that had halted floor action before the Independence Day holiday. Lawmakers went on to advance their fiscal 2027 State Department funding bill.
But the winds began to change once Johnson and the White House unveiled their $95 billion reconciliation package that would fund the Iran war, farm aid and voter ID measures — a price tag that includes no offsets.
Republicans in both chambers raised concerns about the bill’s lack of pay-fors despite a visit from Vice President JD Vance, who hoped to rally support for the package. Johnson appeared to win over Republicans on the House Budget Committee, who advanced the budget blueprint in a party-line vote Thursday.
