Johnson Wins House Vote on Reconciliation Budget Framework, Faces Hardliner Challenges

Speaker Mike Johnson secured a tactical victory Tuesday as House Republicans voted to advance a budget framework for a third reconciliation package. The proposal includes $73 billion in defense and intelligence funding amid ongoing conflicts. However, the path forward remains uncertain as GOP leaders must navigate significant opposition from conservative hardliners within their own caucus. The budget framework is part of a broader effort to pass key Republican priorities through the reconciliation process, which allows for passage with a simple majority in the Senate. Johnson's ability to maintain party unity will be tested in the coming weeks as more detailed spending and policy provisions are debated.