The Senate is back in session this week facing a daunting to-do list, with Republicans attempting to move forward on three major fronts: a budget resolution that would unlock another reconciliation package, a cryptocurrency regulatory bill, and a long-stalled farm bill. The central question is whether the GOP can unify behind a budget blueprint that satisfies both fiscal hawks and defense hawks.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) has repeatedly acknowledged the difficulty of rounding up 50 votes for the budget resolution, which is the first step toward passing a third reconciliation bill. Conservative lawmakers have objected to the lack of spending offsets, while moderates like Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine) are wary of another lengthy vote-a-rama before the midterms. The resolution is seen as a vehicle for advancing the SAVE America Act, which would require proof of citizenship to register to vote in federal elections, as well as funding for defense and agriculture aid.
Former President Trump has been pressing Thune publicly, arguing on Truth Social that the budget resolution is the "first step towards getting as much of THE SAVE AMERICA ACT as possible in a Budget Bill, funding our Troops, and helping our Farmers." But some members, including Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), are demanding more clarity on Pentagon funding needs before committing. "We've heard so many different numbers coming from the Pentagon over the course of the last six months," Ernst said last month, expressing skepticism about the administration's requests.
Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) suggested that Republicans might pursue an omnibus spending package with emergency defense funds, then handle the reconciliation bill separately, which could include money for the ongoing conflict with Iran. That approach could ease some concerns but still faces steep procedural hurdles.
Farm bill gets another committee vote
The Senate Agriculture Committee, chaired by Sen. John Boozman (R-Ark.), is set to hold another vote on the farm bill this week, after failing to advance the legislation in August. The bill would reauthorize agricultural and food programs for five years, but it has drawn unified Democratic opposition over its food aid provisions.
Boozman told Politico that he wants to give members another chance to express their positions, saying, "I really feel like it's important to continue to have members express where they're at on this." The committee's August setback was partly due to the absence of Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), who is recovering from a fall. His office says he is doing well and continuing physical therapy at home.
Crypto bill faces likely Democratic wall
The Senate is also expected to hold a procedural vote on the Clarity Act, a cryptocurrency bill that would establish a federal regulatory framework for digital assets. The measure has bipartisan support in some corners, but most Democrats are expected to oppose it because it lacks a provision restricting elected officials from trading or profiting from crypto. Sen. Lummis has been pressing her colleagues on the bill ahead of the vote, but the outlook remains uncertain.
The House, meanwhile, will take up several measures, including a Russia sanctions bill and the Ratepayer Protection Act, which aims to shield households from rising electricity costs linked to data centers. The latter is expected to draw bipartisan support.
The packed agenda comes as the legislative calendar shrinks ahead of the November midterms, raising the stakes for Republicans who want to deliver on key promises while they still control both chambers. This week will offer an early test of whether the Senate can move past its internal divisions and make progress on these contentious items.
