The House Tuesday will begin debate on a half-dozen budget proposals put forward by both Democrats and Republicans as it moves to agree on a 2016 spending blueprint by the end of this week.
At the top of the list for the GOP leadership is a $3.8 trillion plan that increases defense spending by $2 billion above spending caps, but lawmakers will also be able to vote on a budget that leaves the caps, which were installed under the 2011 Budget Control Act, in place.
Recommended Stories
The GOP budget would cut spending by $5.5 trillion over a decade and reform Medicare and Medicaid spending by implementing a voucher system.
Republican leadership aides say they expect the House to pass the budget with the beefed-up defense spending, which they argue is needed to combat the growing threat of terrorism abroad as well as at home.
That plan is likely to draw criticism from some conservatives who oppose the increased defense spending because it busts the spending caps. But many lawmakers in the House’s conservative faction say they are willing to vote for the increased spending because the plan also includes language that would make it easier for Congress to repeal Obamacare, a top priority for the far right.
Conversely, at least 77 Republicans have lined up against the proposal that does not include the extra defense spending, making that budget virtually impossible to pass because Democrats uniformly oppose it.
Democrats will have an opportunity to vote on their own spending proposals, including one from the Democratic leaders as well as plans from the Progressive Caucus and the Congressional Black Caucus.
The Democratic leadership’s budget would cost $3.9 trillion. It would boost spending on roads and bridges and would expend tax credits for the middle class.
Lawmakers will also debate a budget plan put forth by the conservative Republican Study Committee, which cuts $7.3 trillion in spending over a decade and balances the federal budget in six years. The RSC budget includes spending reforms to Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security.
