On February 21, the Senate voted to advance S. Con. Res. 7, a budget resolution blueprint that sets spending and revenue targets for the federal budget. Budget resolutions do not actually set funding levels and do not have the force of law. However, they are an important first step toward the process through which Congress can begin to appropriate federal funds. By passing this resolution, the Senate will be able to begin the process of passing a budget reconciliation bill. A reconciliation bill can only focus on budget-related measures, but it’s a powerful tool because it only needs a simple majority of votes to pass the Senate, bypassing the 60-vote threshold needed to advance most other legislation. 

The budget resolution, S. Con. Res. 7 includes budget guidelines for Fiscal Year 2025 through Fiscal Year 2034 by providing instructions for spending and cuts to Congressional committees with jurisdiction over particular federal spending and programs. Notably, it would allow for up to $175 billion of new funding for border security and immigration enforcement, which is critical to reach the scale of mass immigration crackdowns central to the Trump administration’s policy agenda. It also directs Congressional committees to find at least $4 billion in spending cuts, including from the committees that oversee Medicaid, the government-provided health insurance for low-income Americans.  

The Senate voted 52-48 to advance the resolution, with all but one Republican voting in support, and all Democrats, Independent Senators Sanders (VT) and King (ME), and Republican Senator Paul (KY) voting against the resolution. The House of Representatives will vote on their own budget proposal next; if they are unable to pass one, S. Con. Res. 7 will likely advance as the alternative measure.