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Lindsey Graham eyes bold budget moves with GOP-only policy push

A constitutional amendment to penalize Congress during shutdowns? Graham’s latest budget gambit could reshape GOP priorities—and spark a showdown.

, and Administrator

2025 November 8 . 5:25 AM

1 min read

At the bottom of the picture, we see two men and a woman are sitting on the chairs. In front of... — At the bottom of the picture, we see two men and a woman are sitting on the chairs. In front of them, we see a man in the black blazer is standing and he is talking on the microphone. Beside him, we see a flower pot or a flower bouquet. Beside that, we see a table on which a book, water bottle and some other objects are placed. Behind him, we see a podium on which the microphones are placed. In the background, we see a brown wall and a board in white, blue and red color with some text written on it. This picture might be clicked in the conference hall.

Lindsey Graham eyes bold budget moves with GOP-only policy push

Senate Budget Committee Chair Lindsey Graham is contemplating a fresh push for a party-line policy bill in the near future. The South Carolina Republican is considering a constitutional amendment that would dock Congressmembers' pay during government shutdowns, with the funds going towards reducing the federal debt.

Graham's potential policy areas of focus include healthcare, taxes, and spending. As the chair of his panel, he is responsible for crafting the budget resolution that allows subsequent policy legislation to pass with a simple majority vote. This process, known as reconciliation, is a key tool for Graham and his fellow Republicans to enact their agenda without Democratic support.

Graham has begun discussions with other GOP senators about these plans, as confirmed by Louisiana Senator John Kennedy. The Budget Committee chair is exploring the possibility of a new reconciliation package with his Republican colleagues, indicating a potential shift in the Senate's legislative priorities.

Lindsey Graham's consideration of a new party-line policy bill, including a constitutional amendment regarding government shutdowns, signals a potential change in the Senate's legislative landscape. As the Budget Committee chair, Graham's actions could significantly impact the Republican agenda in the coming months.