Trump's push for $350 billion 'arsenal of freedom' hits GOP skepticism

Trump is calling on Republicans to pass a third budget reconciliation bill that would include $350 billion in defense spending and voter ID legislation, framing it as a "generational investment" in the military. However, significant GOP skepticism exists: Senate Appropriations Chair Susan Collins and former Minority Leader Mitch McConnell oppose the approach, Senate Majority Leader John Thune acknowledged internal party doubts, and Rep. Kevin Kiley indicated he won't support it, citing dysfunction from overuse of reconciliation bills. The reporting is well-sourced with named lawmakers providing direct quotes and positions, though the article leans toward Trump's framing of the initiative (use of "supercharge," "one fell swoop") rather than emphasizing skepticism in the headline. Independent search results corroborate ongoing GOP divisions over Trump's agenda and confirm passage of the prior $70 billion immigration bill, though they don't specifically address the third reconciliation proposal.