The Senate kicked off its amendment “vote-a-rama” Friday night on a revised budget blueprint that was expected to win adoption by early Saturday morning.
Democrats have filed more than 800 messaging amendments designed to attack the GOP’s budget resolution, which could pave the way for a sweeping reconciliation package containing much of President Donald Trump’s legislative wish list. While most of the amendments are not expected to be offered on the floor, senators were bracing for a long night of votes that ensures adoption of the resolution would be a tough slog.
The first step came shortly after 8 p.m., when the Senate voted on an amendment sponsored by Sen. Dan Sullivan, R-Alaska, designed to express support for “strengthening and improving Medicaid for the most vulnerable populations.” Senate Finance ranking member Ron Wyden, D-Ore., protested that the amendment was designed to cull the Medicaid rolls.
