Wisconsin Senator Ron Johnson is positioned to take over the Senate Budget Committee following the death of Lindsey Graham on Saturday evening. Graham, the South Carolina Republican who led the committee, died at 71 after a brief and sudden illness.
Johnson, a third-term Republican, is effectively next in line under Senate seniority rules. His spokeswoman said the senator is “prepared to serve as budget chair when announced.” Two more senior Republicans—Sens. Chuck Grassley of Iowa and Mike Crapo of Idaho—are expected to retain their positions atop the Judiciary and Finance committees, according to Politico.
Taking the Budget Committee gavel would place Johnson at the center of Republicans’ most consequential legislative battles. As Budget Committee chair, Graham had played a key role in shepherding two major reconciliation bills through the Senate—last year’s tax-cut-focused measure and this year’s effort to fund immigration enforcement for the remainder of President Donald Trump’s term, according to Politico.
Johnson has long been known as a fiscal hawk in the Senate. During debate over last year’s tax and spending megabill, he called for deep spending cuts, according to Politico. Yet he has expressed support for a potential third reconciliation bill, though like many Senate Republicans, he has voiced skepticism it will come together.
Johnson’s ascension will require ratification by the Senate Republican Conference and the full Senate, steps that typically proceed with minimal ceremony. The Budget Committee chairman wields significant power over the reconciliation process, which allows the Senate to pass spending and tax legislation with a simple majority rather than the 60 votes normally required to overcome a filibuster.
Sources
- Politico — Ron Johnson’s preparation to take over the Budget Committee, his fiscal hawk record, and Graham’s role in reconciliation bills
- NBC News — Lindsey Graham’s death at 71 after brief and sudden illness
- AP News — Confirmation of Graham’s death and his role as Trump ally
- Congress.gov — Ron Johnson’s status as Wisconsin senator
