After hours of debate and consideration of nearly 40 amendments, the Senate March 27 passed the Republican’s fiscal year (FY) 2016 budget resolution 52-46. Just two days earlier, the House March 25 adopted its FY 2016 budget resolution on a 228-199 party-line vote.
Although different, both budgets aim to reduce the national deficit, balance the budget within a decade, repeal the Affordable Care Act (ACA, P.L. 111-148 and P.L. 111-152), and reform the Medicare and Medicaid programs[see Washington Highlights, March 20]. Both budgets also include reconciliation language directing House Ways and Means and Energy and Commerce Committees and the Senate Finance Committee to report back deficit reduction recommendations.
Upon return to Washington, members will have just days to meet the April 15 deadline for a joint budget resolution.