In a surprising turn of events, the GOP-led House Budget Committee voted against a significant legislative package aimed at advancing President Donald Trump's agenda on Friday. This decision marks an unexpected setback for Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., and other Republican leaders, as the committee's vote tally stood at 16-21. Five conservative hard-liners notably joined all Democrats in opposing the multitrillion-dollar proposal, casting doubt on its future viability.
The Republican representatives who voted against the bill included Chip Roy of Texas, Ralph Norman of South Carolina, Andrew Clyde of Georgia, Josh Brecheen of Oklahoma, and Lloyd Smucker of Pennsylvania. Following the announcement of the vote, Rep. Jodey Arrington, R-Texas, who chairs the committee, promptly adjourned the hearing, indicating that there would be no further meetings that weekend. "Well, the 'nos' have it. The committee stands in recess," Arrington stated, marking a significant moment in the committee room.
In the aftermath of the vote, discussions with the Republican holdouts, who are advocating for more substantial spending cuts and expressing concerns about the bill's potential impact on the U.S. deficit, are expected to continue in the coming days. Arrington mentioned plans to regroup as early as Monday to address the issues raised by dissenting members. "It’s like the last day of third grade. We get to go home," quipped Rep. Glenn Grothman, R-Wis., although he remained optimistic about the bill's eventual passage, stating, "It has to pass."
The delay in the budget proposal's progress complicates Speaker Johnson's goal to meet a self-imposed deadline by Memorial Day to pass what Trump has referred to as his "big, beautiful bill" and transmit it to the Senate. Just hours before the committee vote, Trump took to Truth Social to criticize what he termed "GOP grandstanders" and urged party members to rally behind the legislation. "Republicans MUST UNITE behind, 'THE ONE, BIG BEAUTIFUL BILL!'" Trump implored. "We don’t need 'GRANDSTANDERS' in the Republican Party. STOP TALKING, AND GET IT DONE!"
Despite Trump's encouragement, Republican leaders acknowledge that the massive bill requires significant revisions to be considered viable. Key areas, including tax provisions and Medicaid reforms, must be addressed to gain the necessary support from skeptical members. Earlier in the day, House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, R-La., met privately with several Freedom Caucus members who opposed the bill to discuss potential modifications.
During the hearing, Rep. Chip Roy issued a stern warning to his Republican colleagues, stating his opposition to the current bill due to its potential to increase the deficit. "This bill falls profoundly short," Roy asserted. "Deficits will go up in the first half of the 10-year budget window, and we all know it’s true." He emphasized the need for substantial reforms, declaring, "I am a no on this bill unless serious reforms are made today, tomorrow, Sunday." His sentiments were echoed by Rep. Norman, who also stressed that changes were essential for his support.
On the opposition side, Rep. Brendan Boyle, D-Pa., highlighted the divisions within the Republican Party, stating that all Democrats would oppose the bill. He noted, "You will hear over the course of this hearing a vigorous debate. And frankly, there is a strong divide between Republicans and some other Republicans." Boyle's remarks underscored the challenges facing the GOP as they navigate internal conflicts and seek to unify behind their legislative efforts.
As the situation develops, it remains to be seen how Republican leaders will address the concerns raised by their colleagues and whether they can ultimately rally the necessary support to pass this critical budget package.
