House Republicans are making progress on their substantial budget resolution, which cleared a key committee stage late Monday evening, setting the stage for a broader chamber vote expected this week. The bill passed the House Rules Committee with only Republican support, as it consolidates various proposals into one comprehensive package.
GOP leaders, including House Speaker Mike Johnson of Louisiana, are hopeful for a Tuesday evening vote. However, concerns regarding the depth of proposed spending cuts may jeopardize this timeline. With current margins, Johnson can afford to lose just one Republican vote to move forward without Democratic backing.
Several Republican representatives have voiced their apprehensions about the resolution. Rep. Victoria Spartz from Indiana has publicly stated her opposition, while other fiscal conservatives like Reps. Tim Burchett of Tennessee and Thomas Massie of Kentucky have indicated they may not support the plan either. There’s particular worry about cuts to crucial programs, including Medicaid, which many constituents depend on.
After discussions with members who are uncertain about the bill, Speaker Johnson expressed a degree of optimism, saying, “We’re on track. We got the resolution through rules, and we’re expecting to vote tomorrow evening.”
The proposed budget aims to boost funding for essential areas such as border security, judiciary matters, and defense by approximately $300 billion, while also looking to implement spending cuts between $1.5 trillion and $2 trillion elsewhere. Additionally, the bill seeks to extend the provisions of President Donald Trump’s 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which is due to expire soon.
An amendment pushed by House Budget Committee Chairman Jodey Arrington from Texas would mandate lawmakers to implement $2 trillion in cuts or risk reducing the $4.5 trillion earmarked for extending Trump’s tax cuts.
Concerns were raised by several Republicans about the budget’s potential impact on beneficiaries. Rep. Nicole Malliotakis from New York expressed skepticism about achieving those cuts without adversely affecting the people who rely on federal programs. Following meetings with GOP leaders, she reported feeling more optimistic about the direction of the discussions.
The House GOP aims to pass numerous priorities of President Trump, including defense investments and the removal of taxes on overtime and tipped wages, through a process allowing them to secure passage without the need for Democratic votes. This budget reconciliation method simplifies the voting threshold in the Senate, allowing a simple majority to approve the budget.
Meanwhile, the Senate has looked at a narrower version of the budget plan that does not incorporate Trump’s tax initiatives, which may serve as a backup if the House’s version does not succeed in a timely manner.
The next steps involve finalizing the rules package in the House, which will allow lawmakers to vote on it before proceeding with the detailed policy frameworks that will shape the final budget proposal later this year. House leadership is aiming for completion by April, ensuring a swift progression of the budget resolution.
