Representatives Byron Donalds (R-FL), Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL), and Lois Frankel (D-FL) weighed in on the inclusion of provisions from the SAVE America Act, one of the Republican Party's top priorities under President Donald Trump, that was inserted in the budget reconciliation package that passed by the House of Representatives
A Hard-Fought Battle
Budget reconciliation allows for the majority party (in this case, Republicans) to pass fiscal policy in the Senate with a simple majority rather than the required 60, sidelining Democrats, but the reconciliation package will be subject to scrutiny.
The package contains $73 billion for the continuation of strikes on Iran, $12 billion for agricultural aid, and the remaining $ 10 billion for the implementation of the SAVE America Act.
Opposition among Republicans was rooted primarily among budget hawks wanting to cut spending elsewhere, although some, along with Democrats, came from concerns about the conflict with Iran.
Little Fanfare
Despite being one of the most talked-about bills in recent months, with Florida Republicans among the most vocal champions of the SAVE America Act, commentary about its inclusion in the reconciliation package has been lacking, with most members of Congress talking about the Stop Insider Trading Act, which had also passed the House.
"JUST NOW: The House PASSED H.R. 7008, the Stop Insider Trading Act. I am proud to stand with my fellow Republicans in the House to BAN congressional insider trading and secure our federal elections with common-sense, nationwide Voter ID in one powerful legislative package," Rep. Donalds posted on social media shortly after the vote. "The House did its job. The Senate needs to step up and deliver. No more excuses."
Shortly after, Rep. Diaz-Balart wrote, "House Republicans just approved the FY2027 Budget Resolution framework, which will: - Safeguard the home front; - Strengthen our alliances abroad; - Restore confidence in federal elections; and - Deliver critical support to American farmers. Congress must continue to advance common sense legislation that delivers real results for the American People."
Finally, Rep. Frankel stated, "Today, I voted against three Republican bills that aim to bankroll Trump's war in Iran and disenfranchise millions of American voters across the country."
In a lengthier statement attached to the post, Rep. Frankel said the SAVE America Act "would make it harder to register to vote, vote by mail, and cast a ballot. I voted no because Congress should be lowering costs and protecting the right to vote— not funding an open-ended war and creating new barriers to the ballot box."
