House Republicans are facing challenges as their massive budget reconciliation bill is at risk due to at least two GOP lawmakers threatening to vote against it. The bill, which aims to advance President Donald Trump's priorities on border security, defense, taxes, and energy, is scheduled for a vote on Tuesday.
With the GOP holding a slim majority, Speaker Mike Johnson can only afford one defector to pass the bill along party lines if all Democratic lawmakers are present. Rep. Tim Burchett and Rep. Victoria Spartz have already expressed opposition to the legislation, citing concerns about government overspending.
Several other GOP lawmakers, particularly those in less conservative districts, remain undecided on the bill. They are seeking more clarity on potential cuts to programs like Medicaid to offset the costs of Trump's priorities. Rep. Nicole Malliotakis emphasized the need to ensure that vulnerable populations in her district, such as seniors and people with disabilities, are not adversely affected by the proposed cuts.
Despite meetings with House leadership, some lawmakers, including Rep. Juan Ciscomani and Rep. Tony Gonzales, have not committed to supporting the bill. Rep. Thomas Massie has also signaled his opposition, expressing concerns about the bill's impact on the deficit.
The budget reconciliation process allows Republicans to pass fiscal legislation with a simple majority in both the House and Senate, bypassing the need for support from the opposing party. The bill seeks to increase spending on border security, defense, and the judiciary by $300 billion while aiming for $1.5 trillion to $2 trillion in spending cuts elsewhere.
Additionally, the bill includes provisions to extend Trump's 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, providing $4.5 trillion for this purpose. House and Senate Republicans are working to push through a range of Trump policies using the reconciliation process, highlighting the contentious nature of the current budget negotiations.
