House Passes $95 Billion Reconciliation Framework Boosting Pentagon Funding and Voting Restrictions

House Republicans on Wednesday approved a $95 billion framework for a third budget reconciliation package, marking a significant victory for Speaker Mike Johnson. The framework includes increased funding for the Pentagon, agricultural aid, and provisions to incentivize states to adopt voting restrictions. The vote was a challenge for Johnson due to his party's razor-thin majority, requiring him to win over skeptical lawmakers. The reconciliation process allows the package to bypass the Senate filibuster, though the framework still requires detailed legislative drafting and further votes in both chambers. The proposal reflects key Republican priorities on defense spending and election integrity, while Democrats have criticized the voting restriction incentives as voter suppression.