Thune Backs Reconciliation Measure as Path Forward for Key Legislative Items

Senate Majority Leader John Thune says he's embracing a House-passed $95 billion reconciliation budget measure as the 'best path to success' for various legislative items, including President Donald Trump's SAVE America Act.

The measure would allow certain legislation to be fast-tracked through Congress with a simple majority Senate vote rather than the usual 60-vote threshold.

Thune previously said he might hold onto the budget measure as Congress works on plans to avoid a partial federal shutdown by funding the government beyond Sept. 30.

The reconciliation plan includes up to $12 billion in agriculture aid, though it doesn't address year-round, voluntary sales of higher corn ethanol fuel blends, known as E15.

Thune has expressed his support for the ethanol bill, which is a high priority for him and other GOP senators who are currently mulling a new version of E15 legislation.