Sen. John Kennedy, the Republican from Louisiana and chair of the Senate Appropriations subcommittee overseeing energy and water programs, is challenging the traditional bipartisan approach of the Senate Appropriations Committee. Known for his folksy demeanor and earlier collaborative style, Kennedy is now asserting that the government funding process is broken, pushing for spending cuts and separate votes on funding bills. His actions have drawn criticism from both colleagues, including top Democrats and Republican leaders, who are frustrated by his resistance to the usual bipartisan negotiations.
Kennedy has accused the Senate of ‘playacting’ through this year’s bipartisan spending talks, stating that the process is as ‘dead as Jimmy Hoffa.’ This has led to a days-long holdup on an initial package of fiscal 2026 spending bills, as he insisted on a separate vote on funding for Congress itself. His actions have put him at odds with several colleagues, including Sen. Patty Murray, the top Appropriations Democrat, who called his behavior ‘breaking it.’
Kennedy’s position has frustrated many within his own party, as he has been vocal about his disdain for the usual bipartisan process. His willingness to take a verbal sledgehammer to the Senate’s talks is grating on some fellow Republicans who are straining to keep the process moving. Lisa Murkowski, a fellow Republican on the committee, noted that the current situation is different from past efforts, where there was an unspoken rule to support the process and keep it functional.
Moreover, Kennedy’s support for Trump’s ‘rescissions’—spending clawbacks—has further complicated the situation. His backing of these measures has drawn warnings from Democrats and some Republicans about the potential to disrupt the appropriations process. However, Kennedy has dismissed these concerns, calling it naive to think that the White House would want to share a ‘cup of hot cocoa and a hug’ with Democrats. His frequent blame of Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer for breaking the funding process has also been met with skepticism, particularly from Democrats who argue that Kennedy is not the one in control of both chambers and the presidency.
Collins and Murray agreed on a topline spending number for the bill Kennedy oversees, but the Louisianan wants to go lower—something Democrats consider a breach of the overall bipartisan agreement on the committee. Murray is working with Collins on a plan to advance the bill out of committee despite Kennedy’s insistence on reducing funding. Kennedy has expressed confidence in Collins’ efforts but remains skeptical about the prospects of achieving his desired spending cuts within the bipartisan framework.
Despite his earlier reputation for a collegial style, Kennedy is now seen as a persistent headache for GOP leaders and a potential disruptor of the usual bipartisan negotiations. With the Senate trying to find a ‘sweet spot’ in the appropriations process, Kennedy’s actions are causing frustration and raising questions about the future of the committee’s traditional approach to funding decisions.