Senate Budget Battle Heats Up as GOP Faces Internal Divisions and Democratic Pushback

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Alexis N. Crockett
February 14, 2025
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9 minutes read

(Greg Nash)

WASHINGTON — The Senate has finally begun its budgeting process after weeks of delay from the House, with Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) leading the charge. However, early signs indicate that the effort is already facing significant resistance, even within Republican ranks.

Graham remains optimistic about the process, despite skepticism from both Democrats and some GOP lawmakers. “I think we’re doing a productive exercise!” Graham responded before stepping into an elevator. However, Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) was less enthusiastic, raising concerns about the legitimacy of the budget proposal.

“I’m concerned with the budget on our side that’s being proposed, and then I don’t think the numbers are real,” Paul told reporters. “I can’t vote for the budget if it’s not real.” Paul highlighted an $800 billion discrepancy in the numbers, saying, “If I don’t get a good explanation for that, I can’t vote for the legislation. It’s just fiction, then.” Democrats were even more critical, casting doubt on whether the Republican-led effort would even pass in the Senate.

“This is starting to feel like a fruitless exercise,” said Sen. Mark Warner (D-VA). “I wouldn’t be surprised if they don’t even get the majority of the Republican votes.” Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) echoed his concerns, warning that the GOP’s budget plan prioritizes tax cuts for the wealthy at the expense of essential services.

Senate Judiciary Committee member Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) shouts while questioning Judge Brett Kavanaugh during his Supreme Court Washington, (DC.Win McNamee / Getty Images)

“I don’t think they’re gonna be able to make this work,” Warren said. “House Republicans want to cut services that everyday Americans use, so they can give big tax breaks to billionaires. They’ve got it exactly upside down.” She later released a statement reinforcing her stance:

“Republicans are pulling a fast one on working people by reaching into their pockets to pay for billionaire handouts. Make no mistake: this GOP plan will raise the cost that American families pay for groceries, health care, and getting an education—all to fund tax cuts for the ultra-rich.”

Meanwhile, Rep. Brendan Boyle (D-PA) warned that if Republicans fail to pass their own budget bill, they will be responsible for a government shutdown.

“Well, let’s be clear right now, Republicans have a majority in the House, a majority in the Senate, and they have the White House,” Boyle told MSNBC. “So, if there is a full government shutdown, it will be because Republicans want to fully shut down the government tomorrow in the budget committee.”

Adding to the political firestorm, Politico reported that two lawmakers on the House Budget Committee are demanding either $500 billion in spending cuts or new revenue in the form of tax increases. Meanwhile, tech billionaire Elon Musk has been brought in as a special government employee with the task of cutting $2 trillion from federal spending.

With tensions running high and opposition mounting from both sides of the aisle, the GOP faces an uphill battle in passing their budget proposal. If Republicans can’t rally enough votes, the looming threat of a government shutdown may become a political crisis of their own making.