Story perspectives

Senate Leaders Doubt $350B Reconciliation, Defense Funding at Risk

6/12/2026

Summary

Story summary

Senate leaders Mitch McConnell and Susan Collins said a third reconciliation bill is unlikely, warning it threatens defense-funding stability.
President Donald Trump, who endorsed the $350 billion reconciliation bill, noted Mike Johnson said it should move forward soon.
House Republicans said the bill will address fraud, waste, defense and health reforms before the August recess as Air Force Secretary Troy Meek said the F-35 upgrade depends on the full reconciliation amount.

History

Historical Context

The 2011 Budget Control Act, passed in August 2011, triggered $1.2 trillion in automatic sequestration that halved defense and non-defense discretionary cuts, reducing the FY-2013 defense budget by about $55 billion. Delayed until March 2013, the sequester forced the Pentagon to curtail programs and lowered readiness, shaping today’s debates over restoring stable defense funding.

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Story summary

Senate leaders Mitch McConnell and Susan Collins said a third reconciliation bill is unlikely, warning it threatens defense-funding stability.
President Donald Trump, who endorsed the $350 billion reconciliation bill, noted Mike Johnson said it should move forward soon.
House Republicans said the bill will address fraud, waste, defense and health reforms before the August recess as Air Force Secretary Troy Meek said the F-35 upgrade depends on the full reconciliation amount.

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