White House plans third budget reconciliation bill linking defense funding with SAVE Act

The White House is exploring a third budget reconciliation bill that would combine national‑security spending with provisions from the Republican‑backed SAVE Act, which would require documentary proof of citizenship for voter registration and add voter‑ID requirements. The proposal aims to use the reconciliation process – which allows passage with a simple Senate majority – to bypass the 60‑vote filibuster threshold.

Legislative director James Braid said the bill could fund the Pentagon, the Department of Homeland Security and a $1 billion Secret Service upgrade for White House security, while also offering a "down payment" on the SAVE Act. House Speaker Mike Johnson has voiced support for a third reconciliation vehicle, though Senate leaders remain uncertain about its composition. Lawmakers are also urging the administration to address cybersecurity threats from advanced AI models such as Mythos as part of the national‑security component.

The effort follows earlier reconciliation attempts that funded tax cuts, border security and defense, and reflects Republican interest in advancing election‑integrity measures through a budget tool that normally excludes non‑fiscal policy.