Senate GOP punts party-line budget fight until after August recess

The Senate scrapped plans to vote on a party-line spending blueprint that funds the war in Iran and includes President Donald Trump's election integrity priorities on Friday, avoiding a doomed effort that would have delivered Republicans a setback just as the upper chamber prepared to leave for a five-week recess. Johnson, Scott, Lee told reporters they spoke with Trump and that he agreed on punting the legislation until they return in September to allow more time for GOP negotiations. "it is beyond unfortunate that providing support for their efforts and protection has turned into a partisan issue," Sen. Ron Johnson said. "The same can be said for supporting farmers, our intelligence services, and election integrity." Asked why Republicans would hold a doomed vote, Thune said, "good question." The third bill has faced GOP resistance over its attempt to include elements of the SAVE America Act. About $60 billion in the resolution is for the Pentagon and its war efforts in Iran, well shy of the $350 billion the White House is seeking. The House-passed version included up to $95 billion in total spending. The chamber was set to vote as early as late Friday or early Saturday morning on a separate, trimmed-down voter ID proposal from Sen. Jon Husted (R-OH) that failed to attract any Democratic votes in February.