GOP weighs final reconciliation push before Democrats take control

Republican lawmakers are considering a final reconciliation bill during Congress’s post-election session, seeking to move party priorities before Democrats take control of both chambers in January. Ideas floated for a package include support for the conflict with Iran, a higher debt ceiling, election measures, cryptocurrency provisions and hemp policy.

GOP eyes party-line bill as Democrats prepare to take control

With voters giving Democrats majorities in the House and Senate, Republicans are considering using their remaining weeks in power to push a partisan reconciliation bill. The proposed package could include Iran war funding, voting restrictions, cryptocurrency measures, hemp policy and a debt-limit increase—an attempt to move priorities without Democratic input.

Republican leaders still need Democratic cooperation on must-pass work, including government funding before the December 11 deadline and the annual defense policy bill. Democrats could use those negotiations to press their own demands, while reconciliation would give them opportunities to offer amendments and slow the process.

Sen. Jeff Merkley, the top Democrat on the Budget Committee, said he wants any debt-limit negotiations to address Social Security’s solvency, reduce waste in health care and defense, and reverse some tax benefits for the wealthiest Americans. Democrats are also likely to seek more votes related to ending the Iran war.

The lame-duck schedule is tight, with only a few weeks of planned sessions and potential attendance challenges. Republicans have not yet shown they have the votes for a sweeping package, while Congress must also handle funding, farm and transportation measures, and other unfinished business.

Republicans consider last chance to advance defense and border priorities

Republicans are considering a final reconciliation bill as Democrats prepare to take control of the House and Senate. The party-line approach could provide a route to increase defense spending and fund border and immigration priorities, alongside a debt-limit increase and other measures, before Republicans lose unified control.

Sen. Ron Johnson has advocated a larger package after an earlier proposal for up to $150 billion in spending did not become a bill. Sen. Kevin Cramer argued that if bipartisan funding talks stall and produce a long-term continuing resolution, reconciliation may be the only way to significantly strengthen national defense.

The window is short: lawmakers have only a few scheduled weeks before year’s end, and government funding expires on December 11. Congress also needs to pass its annual defense policy bill and address other unfinished legislation. Republicans may have difficulty assembling the votes for an ambitious package, while departing lawmakers could complicate attendance.

Democrats may use negotiations over must-pass legislation to seek concessions and press for votes on the Iran war. The coming session will test whether Republicans can turn their remaining time in power into legislation, or whether deadlines and a narrow calendar leave their priorities unfinished.