House GOP Races to Deliver Trump’s Budget with $3 Trillion Tax Cuts/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ House Republicans are scrambling to craft a massive budget package to meet former President Donald Trump’s demands, including $3 trillion in tax cuts, federal spending reductions, and border security funding. Speaker Mike Johnson is pushing lawmakers to finalize the bill, which could also raise the debt ceiling. With competing approaches in the House and Senate, GOP lawmakers face internal divisions over how to move forward.
House GOP’s Budget Plans: Quick Look
- Trump’s Demand: A sweeping budget package including $3 trillion in tax cuts, spending cuts, and border security funding.
- GOP Lawmakers’ Efforts: Working late into the night to finalize the plan before a self-imposed Friday deadline.
- Key Provisions: Extending 2017 Trump tax cuts, eliminating taxes on tips and overtime pay, and slashing federal programs.
- Debt Ceiling Concerns: The bill may include an increase in the debt ceiling to prevent default.
- Internal GOP Divisions: House Republicans seek deeper spending cuts, while Senate GOP members propose a two-step approach.
- Next Steps: House and Senate committees plan hearings next week to advance the budget.
House GOP Races to Deliver Trump’s Budget with $3 Trillion Tax Cuts
Deep Look: House GOP Pushes Trump’s Budget Demands Amid Party Divisions
House Republicans are racing to finalize a massive budget bill that aligns with former President Donald Trump’s economic vision, which includes $3 trillion in tax cuts, major reductions in federal spending, and significant border security funding. Following an intense White House meeting, GOP leaders are working against the clock to meet their Friday deadline.
Trump’s Clear Message: Get It Done
During a nearly five-hour meeting at the White House, Trump made it clear that he expected results. According to lawmakers, his directive was simple: pass a budget package that achieves his policy goals. Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) and other GOP leaders took the message to heart, pushing lawmakers to finalize the bill.
“What he does a really good job at is: Here’s the end result that I want,” said Rep. Lisa McClain (R-Mich.), reflecting on Trump’s leadership style.
Key Components of the GOP Budget Proposal
The proposed package includes several major elements:
- Permanent Extension of Tax Cuts: Republicans aim to extend tax cuts from Trump’s 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which are set to expire at the end of the year.
- Federal Spending Cuts: The bill includes significant reductions to government programs, potentially affecting healthcare, food assistance, and other essential services.
- Border Security Funding: Trump’s plan to finish the U.S.-Mexico border wall and launch mass deportations would receive dedicated funding.
- Debt Ceiling Increase: To prevent a federal default, the bill may include provisions to raise the nation’s borrowing limit.
A Race Against Time in Congress
Despite efforts to move quickly, tensions are rising within the GOP. Trump has yet to provide specifics on his preferred approach, leaving lawmakers scrambling to piece together a plan that aligns with his broad vision. Senate Republicans, led by Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.), have proposed an alternative two-step process:
- A smaller, $300 billion package focusing on border security and defense spending.
- A later push to extend tax cuts before their expiration deadline.
Internal GOP Disagreements
While House Republicans prefer a comprehensive “big, beautiful bill,” some members are divided over the depth of spending cuts. The House Freedom Caucus is pushing for at least $2 trillion in cuts over the next decade—double what GOP leadership has proposed.
Senator Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), chairman of the Senate Budget Committee, has also voiced concerns about the House’s approach, arguing that a more strategic rollout would have a better chance of passing. Graham’s committee plans to hold hearings next week to advance the Senate’s version of the bill.
Public Pushback and Political Challenges
The proposed spending cuts have sparked public outrage, with congressional offices receiving a flood of calls opposing reductions to social services. Billionaire Elon Musk’s push for cost-cutting in federal programs has also fueled debate.
Despite the challenges, Johnson remains optimistic. “We’re really grateful to the president for leaning in and doing what he does best, and that is put a steady hand at the wheel and get everybody working,” he said after returning from the White House meeting.
What’s Next?
With Republicans controlling both chambers, passing the budget should be achievable, but internal divisions and public backlash pose significant hurdles. House Republicans will hold further discussions to finalize their approach, while Senate Republicans will continue exploring their two-step strategy. The next few weeks will be critical in determining whether Trump’s ambitious budget agenda can be realized.
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