Rep. Buddy Carter: House on Track to Pass $95 Billion Reconciliation Package

Rep. Buddy Carter, R-Ga., stated Wednesday he is “very confident” the House will pass a $95 billion reconciliation bill that includes defense funding and SAVE America Act components.

Appearing in an interview with co-hosts Marc Lotter and Sharla McBride, Carter said Republicans have the momentum needed to approve the package before lawmakers depart Washington for August recess.

“I am very confident, very confident we’re going to get this done,” Carter said when asked whether the legislation would clear the House. “We’ve got momentum now. I think people are focused and understand just how important it is.”

Carter, a member of the House Budget Committee, emphasized the bill serves two key Republican priorities: strengthening the military and bolstering election integrity. “This reconciliation bill does two things,” he said. “First of all, it gives our troops the resources they need to safely and effectively finish the drill in Iran. It also gives us key parts of the SAVE America Act. It makes sure we have voter ID and ensures only citizens vote in our elections.”

The budget framework approved by House Republicans includes $10 billion for grants encouraging states to adopt provisions similar to the SAVE America Act. When asked whether Democrat-led states would participate, Carter acknowledged skepticism but noted GOP lawmakers are exploring additional incentives and penalties. “We’re using the carrot and the stick,” he said. “We’re trying to put some sticks in there” to encourage states to implement voter ID requirements.

Pointing to reports involving New Jersey’s voter rolls, Carter argued stronger safeguards are necessary. “Look what happened in New Jersey just yesterday,” he said. “We found out 6,600 illegal voters on their rolls and hundreds of them voted. … That is voter suppression here in America.”

Carter also criticized the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History, accusing it of drifting from its educational mission by promoting what he called “woke” narratives instead of celebrating U.S. history. “The National Museum of American History has strayed from its original purpose of teaching American history,” he stated. “We have a great history. We should be celebrating that history.”

He suggested Congress could leverage federal funding authority to push for changes. “We’ve got to get their attention, of course, and that’s through the budget,” he said.

Looking ahead to midterms, Carter welcomed President Donald Trump’s visit to Georgia on Wednesday, calling it a major boost for Republicans. “President Trump is very popular in the state of Georgia,” Carter added. “We’re excited to have him.” He noted Georgia’s economic growth and rising wages demonstrate the success of Trump’s economic agenda and the Working Families Tax Cut Act.