Johnson Pushes Trump’s ‘Big, Beautiful $6.5T Bill,’ GOP Faces Internal Divisions/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ House Speaker Mike Johnson is battling to pass President Trump’s $6.5 trillion budget plan, featuring $4.5 trillion in tax cuts and $2 trillion in spending cuts. Facing Democratic opposition and internal GOP divisions, Johnson’s slim House majority leaves Tuesday’s crucial vote in jeopardy. Critics argue the budget could harm vital programs like health care and food aid, while Trump pushes for swift passage.
Trump’s Budget Push: Quick Looks
- $4.5 trillion in tax breaks & $2 trillion in spending cuts proposed
- Johnson fights to unite divided GOP with razor-thin House majority
- Democrats protest: Budget favors wealthy, slashes social programs
- GOP moderates worry about cuts to Medicaid, food stamps, and veterans’ aid
- Tuesday vote uncertain; Senate GOP proposes smaller $340B package
- Trump wants a ‘big’ deal; enjoys House vs. Senate budget competition
- Economic projections disputed: CBO sees 1.8% growth, GOP forecasts 2.6%
Johnson Pushes Trump’s ‘Big, Beautiful $6.5T Bill,’ GOP Faces Internal Divisions
Deep Look
WASHINGTON (AP) — House Speaker Mike Johnson is racing against the clock to push President Donald Trump’s $6.5 trillion budget proposal through the House this week. But with a fractured Republican caucus and unified Democratic opposition, Johnson’s challenge is monumental.
At stake is Trump’s “big, beautiful bill,” which blends:
- $4.5 trillion in tax cuts, renewing Trump’s 2017 breaks set to expire
- $2 trillion in spending cuts targeting federal programs
- Key focus: Appeasing Trump’s base while managing political fallout
“We’re going to get everyone there,” Johnson said Monday. “Prayer is involved.”
GOP Divisions Threaten Passage
With one of the smallest House majorities in modern history, Johnson needs nearly every Republican vote—but faces conflicting demands:
- Hardliners: Say tax cuts increase the $36T debt without deeper cuts
- Moderates: Warn massive cuts to Medicaid & food stamps hurt constituents
- Trump loyalists: Urge full adoption of the president’s ambitious agenda
“Slashing programs that help Americans isn’t what people want,” said Rep. Jim McGovern (D-MA).
Trump’s Influence and the Senate’s Alternative
Trump, eager to secure legislative wins early in his second term, favors the House’s all-in-one bill. But Senate Republicans, doubting Johnson’s chances, proposed a $340B alternative:
- Focuses on border security & immediate funding needs
- Plans tax cuts separately later this year
“I’m rooting for the House,” said Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX). “One shot’s their best bet.”
Economic Projections: Optimism vs. Reality
The budget assumes 2.6% economic growth, generating $2.6 trillion in savings over 10 years. But the nonpartisan CBO projects just 1.8% growth, casting doubt on those figures.
“We can’t base fiscal policy on wishful thinking,” warned one watchdog group.
Democratic Resistance Intensifies
House Democrats plan public protests during Tuesday’s session.
“This budget helps billionaires and hurts working families,” said House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY).
What’s Being Cut?
Republicans target $880B from health care spending, including Medicaid, and $230B from agriculture, affecting food stamps. Critics say cuts could:
- Reduce access to healthcare for low-income families
- Slash food aid to millions of Americans
- Impact student loans and education funding
“We support spending cuts—but not at the expense of our communities,” said Rep. Tony Gonzales (R-TX).
Next Steps and What’s at Stake
- If the House passes the budget:
- Committees begin drafting details
- Senate negotiations intensify
- Failure could stall Trump’s legislative agenda
“We must meet this historic moment,” read a letter from 10 GOP committee chairs.
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