WASHINGTON (AP) — In a high-stakes move, House Speaker Mike Johnson is attempting to advance a Republican budget blueprint this week, aiming to pass President Donald Trump's ambitious bill that proposes $4.5 trillion in tax breaks alongside $2 trillion in spending cuts. The plan faces significant opposition from both Democrats and some Republicans.
With a slim GOP majority, Speaker Johnson is navigating complex political terrain. The package, if approved, would significantly impact the budget process as Trump urges Republicans to support a massive bill to extend tax breaks originally secured during his first term. These tax breaks are set to expire later this year unless action is taken, and the bill also proposes cuts to federal programs and services.
Johnson's efforts are under threat as he contends with opposition from Democrats, skeptical GOP senators, and even some rank-and-file Republicans. The pivotal votes, scheduled for Tuesday evening, remain uncertain as Johnson works tirelessly to rally support. "We’re going to get everyone there," Johnson quipped at a recent event, adding a "prayer request" for good measure.
Implementing spending cuts is proving challenging for Republicans. While the focus is on eliminating wasteful spending, cuts to the Pentagon and other critical programs are largely off-limits. The proposed reductions would primarily affect healthcare, food stamps, and student loans, impacting constituents who rely on these services.
This situation unfolds amid billionaire Trump advisor Elon Musk pushing for efficiency, resulting in widespread job cuts across federal agencies. Lawmakers are facing growing discontent from voters at town hall meetings.
Democrats staunchly oppose the proposed tax cuts, arguing they primarily benefit the wealthy. House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York planned a protest on the Capitol steps during Tuesday's session. "This is not what people want," emphasized Rep. Jim McGovern, D-Mass., highlighting the failures of trickle-down economics.
Meanwhile, Senate Republicans, uncertain of Johnson's ability to pass the bill, have introduced a scaled-back $340 billion package. This proposal focuses on funding Trump's deportation and border security agenda, with plans to address tax cuts separately later this year.
Within the GOP, there is no consensus on the approach. The most conservative Republicans warn that the plan could exacerbate the nation's $36 trillion debt, as the cost of tax breaks surpasses the proposed spending cuts. More moderate Republicans are concerned about the impact of budget cuts on constituents, especially in areas like healthcare and agriculture.
GOP leaders are urging lawmakers to view this week's vote as the first step in a lengthy budget process. The plan will direct House and Senate committees to devise detailed spending proposals for future debate and votes. "The committees need time to go work to find savings," said Majority Leader Steve Scalise, R-La.
Ten House GOP chairmen have expressed strong support for the package, emphasizing its alignment with Trump's policy agenda. Rep. Jodey Arrington, chairman of the House Budget Committee, acknowledges the tension between Republicans seeking more cuts and those from competitive districts concerned about spending reforms.
Arrington believes economic growth assumptions will generate $2.6 trillion in savings over 10 years, aiding deficit reduction. However, some fiscal advocacy groups question the optimism of these economic projections.
