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Congressman: routing defense funding through reconciliation is "bad policy," urges regular appropriations
Summary
The congressman warned that moving large portions of the Pentagon's $1.5 trillion request through reconciliation sets a dangerous precedent and urged Congress to use regular appropriations; a clip from Rep. Andy Ogles expressed skepticism that a third reconciliation bill will pass.
The congressman told interviewer Marie that routing major defense spending through reconciliation is "bad policy" and undermines the regular appropriations process.
"It's bad policy, and I think many people on both sides of the capital understand that we're put in this terrible position," he said, blaming tactics he attributed to Senate leadership for complicating the appropriations process. "We passed all 12 bills in the House," he added, arguing the process should continue through regular order.
Marie also played a clip introduced as Representative Andy Ogles, who said he did not expect a third reconciliation bill, arguing the chance of time running out is high and calling Reconciliation 2 important for the economy.
Asked whether a July deadline makes a third reconciliation bill feasible, the congressman said the House should pursue a "skinny" reconciliation bill that quickly funds homeland-security priorities and that he supports Budget Chairman Jodey Arrington's work to explore a path for a third reconciliation bill if savings can be found. He said the House hopes to bring veterans and military construction appropriations for fiscal 2027 to the floor.
The interview did not record a formal vote or committee action; participants discussed strategy and timing for appropriations and potential reconciliation vehicles.
