East Idaho Times

U.S. Senator Mike Crapo, representing Idaho and serving as Chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, has cast his vote in favor of advancing the Fiscal Year 2025 Budget Resolution. The resolution, which passed narrowly with an 11-10 vote in the Senate Budget Committee, is now set for full Senate consideration.

Senator Crapo emphasized the importance of addressing fiscal policies: “By committing to paying for this ambitious agenda, Senate Republicans have said enough is enough with reckless fiscal policy. It is past time to get our fiscal house in order.”

He also highlighted key priorities within the resolution such as border security and national defense. “It is time to stop the politics of fear," Crapo stated, "admit that we have got to control our spending and let us get on with trying to do the critical work of restoring our border security, restoring our national security and unleashing the energy potential of this country so we can again regain our preeminent posture as the strongest economy and strongest nation in this world.”

In his prepared remarks, Crapo criticized President Joe Biden’s actions regarding immigration policy. He claimed that changes made by Biden on his first day in office had weakened border security and led to an influx of illegal immigrants. According to Crapo, while former President Trump reinstated several policies via executive order, this budget resolution aims to solidify these measures permanently.

The resolution also seeks to enhance U.S. military power against global adversaries like Russia and China while aligning with what Crapo described as Trump’s ‘America First’ foreign policy approach.

Additionally, Senator Crapo addressed healthcare reform within this budget plan: “To begin the process of returning to fiscal sensibility,” he noted that a specific rule from a previous administration could be reversed under this plan—aiming at better healthcare access in rural areas without impacting tax laws or broader reforms.

Crapo concluded by reiterating Republican commitment toward more responsible fiscal governance: “While more will be necessary to bring America back to living within its means," he acknowledged that passing this budget would serve as "a superb first step."