The conflict over strategy comes as top House Republicans met Thursday with Trump, who has indicated a preference for a one-bill approach but largely steered clear of the dispute.

Senate Budget Committee Chairman Lindsey Graham told reporters on Wednesday that he expects to begin marking up a budget resolution that will also direct committees to find offsets for the new spending with hopes of Senate action in coming weeks.

President Donald Trump's Cabinet nominees appear to be on a glide path to confirmation in the Senate, despite early hesitation about several controversial picks. On Tuesday, two Senate panels advanced national intelligence director nominee Tulsi Gabbard and Health and Human Services Secretary nominee Robert F.