President Donald Trump has urged congressional Republicans to make three priorities central to their upcoming legislative agenda: passing a new reconciliation package, approving $350 billion in additional defense funding, and advancing the SAVE America Act.
In a social media post over the holiday weekend, Trump said he wants Congress to include funding for military modernization and the proposed Golden Dome missile defense system. The administration has argued that the funding is necessary to strengthen U.S. military capabilities.
Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell has supported the proposal, saying the requested funding would help modernize the armed forces and maintain U.S. military readiness.
Trump also called for passage of the SAVE America Act, which would require proof of U.S. citizenship and photo identification for federal voter registration. Supporters argue the measure would strengthen election integrity, while opponents contend it could make voting more difficult for some eligible citizens and raise legal and constitutional concerns.
Because of Senate budget reconciliation rules, including election policy in a reconciliation bill may face procedural obstacles. Trump has suggested replacing the Senate parliamentarian if necessary to allow the measure to proceed. Senate Majority Leader John Thune has not indicated support for that approach.
Republican lawmakers have reportedly discussed an alternative proposal that would provide grants to states choosing to adopt voter identification and citizenship verification measures, rather than establishing a nationwide federal requirement.
The debate comes as both parties continue to outline competing legislative priorities ahead of Congress’s return from recess. Republicans are expected to focus on defense spending, tax policy, and immigration, while Democrats have proposed a range of institutional and election-related reforms.
Congress is scheduled to resume its legislative work next week, when lawmakers are expected to begin negotiations over spending priorities and other major policy initiatives.
