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The Senate rejected a motion to waive budget rules for an amendment proposed by Senator Kennedy. The failure to waive these rules effectively prevented the amendment from being considered further.
Senators voted on whether to set aside specific parts of the Congressional Budget Act to allow for Senator Kennedy's amendment (No. 2772). Under Senate rules, certain proposals that would increase the deficit or are deemed unrelated to the budget's main purpose are blocked unless a majority of the Senate agrees to waive the rules. This type of vote is a procedural step often used to save an amendment that has been flagged for violating budget guidelines. If the motion to waive fails, the amendment is usually struck down immediately without a direct vote on its contents. This allows the Senate to enforce spending limits or procedural discipline. The motion was rejected with a 42-58 vote. Both parties were split on the issue, but a majority of both Democrats and Republicans voted against bypassing the budget rules. Because the motion failed, the Kennedy amendment could not proceed and was not added to the bill.
The Senate will continue considering the main bill without the inclusion of the Kennedy amendment.
Why it matters. This vote reflects the Senate's decision to enforce fiscal discipline rules over the specific policy change proposed in the amendment.
Who’s affected. Budget Watchdogs: Rules intended to control spending or maintain budget order were successfully upheld.
Democrats. Democrats were split, with a majority (28) voting against the waiver and a minority (17) in favor.
Republicans. Republicans were similarly divided, with 29 voting against the waiver and 22 voting in favor.
Jun 30, 2025
The Senate rejected a motion to waive budget rules for an amendment proposed by Senator Kennedy.
The failure to waive these rules effectively prevented the amendment from being considered further.