Staff Reports
Senators have decided to engage in an all-night, caffeine-fueled extravaganza known as a budget “vote-a-rama,” and it promises to be a splendid spectacle for those who appreciate the finer points of government spending—specifically, a proposed $340 billion package aimed at fortifying border security and handling deportations. President Trump’s team assures that this financial allocation aligns perfectly with the Republican’s priority of addressing immigration issues. Just imagine a late-night infomercial where you can finance border wall construction and mass deportation operations with the click of a button.
The scene is set for what might be the longest cavalcade of amendments since someone thought it was a good idea to filibuster a resolution to plant more trees. Senators will be voting at a breakneck pace on numerous amendments, most of which will be pushed by Democrats who would apparently prefer to wax poetic about the wonders of open borders than deal with the reality of the situation. Lindsey Graham, the ever-enthusiastic Senate Budget Committee chair, made it clear that this budget debacle is just the kickstart needed to fulfill Trump’s immigration ambitions. It’s almost as if they’re all trying to get this done before the donuts at the late-night diner go stale.
From 2-3am ET, I’ll be presiding over the floor as Senate Dems put on a show for their base. Not ONE liberal budget amendment will pass tonight.
“Vote-a-rama” continues… pic.twitter.com/UMdhkaK2Mn
— Markwayne Mullin (@SenMullin) February 21, 2025
As per tradition in the Senate, the minority party—the Democrats—will try to throw a wrench into the works, hoping to embarrass their GOP counterparts with votes that will be scrutinized until the end of time. Their first target? Tax breaks for billionaires, a noble cause unless you happen to own a small business and could benefit from, you know, a booming economy instead of punitive taxation. Chuck Schumer is hyping up this all-night debate, believing it will clarify each party’s stances. One can only assume that “staying up all night” was included in the consultation package for aspiring politicians.
For Republicans, this vote is more than symbolic; it’s a down payment on the broader agenda that includes extending tax breaks worth a breathtaking $4.5 trillion. House Speaker Mike Johnson is leading the charge on that front, with visions of tax cuts and border fortifications dancing in their heads. Trump has always favored the idea of a grand unifying bill. Still, for now, the Senate is playing the pragmatic card—let’s tackle border security first, then we can consider tax cuts later, like dessert after a hearty meal.
While there’s much fanfare about the proposed budget for border security and mass deportations, it’s essential to understand that even if this package clears the Senate gauntlet, no money will immediately flow. The budget resolution acts merely as a guide, instructing various committees to hash out specifics in the future—perfectly suited for the reality of government speed where “quick” means “slower than molasses in January.”
Senator John Barrasso described these measures as vital. He emphasized their intention to ensure more customs agents and detention facilities were in place. On the other hand, Democrats are rallying behind the classic fallacy of blaming tax cuts for the national debt, conveniently leaving out their own contributions to the growing giant. Patty Murray chimed in with a heartfelt lament about tax breaks, but it raises the question: what’s worse, giving billionaires a tax cut or allowing for secure borders?
At the end of the day, the roadmap laid out in this budget resolution is foundational for following the same strategy that has become standard operating procedure in recent years: using reconciliation to shove through partisan legislation with a simple majority instead of the traditional filibuster threshold. It’s a game that both sides have played, and while Democrats might scoff at the GOP approach, they certainly have their own playbook. Ultimately, this all-night vote frenzy is likely to result in partisan cheers and jeers, a classic display of the political circus that is modern-day Washington.
