House Republicans voted Tuesday to approve a key budget resolution, a major step toward President Donald Trump’s proposed $4.5 trillion tax cut and $2 trillion worth of spending cuts. They voted 217 to 215, with one Republican voting across party lines to oppose the measure, underscoring the tight margin of support yet again. The legislation was approved despite Democratic and a few Republican reservations after Speaker Mike Johnson persistently worked to drive it forward.
Trump, a key player in getting the votes, called reluctant GOP lawmakers and even brought them to the White House to win them over. Some of his party members were uneasy with the situation, but Johnson’s leadership came through, and the resolution passed late at night.
The resolution marks the beginning of the GOP’s legislative campaign. The draft bill aims to renew tax breaks Trump implemented in his first year, which are due to expire later this year, and cut federal expenditures on health care, food stamps, and student loans. The cuts, particularly in Medicaid and food stamp funding, have raised alarms among Republicans who worry about reelection backlash from their voters, many of whom depend on these programs.
Rep. Mike Lawler (R-N.Y.) emphasized that Trump had promised to fight for Medicaid, easing skeptical lawmakers. Some Republicans, however, including Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.), voted against the resolution, citing fears of the cutting of essential programs. Some Republican lawmakers, particularly those in the Congressional Hispanic Conference, cited fears regarding the impact on vulnerable communities.
As the budget plan advances, Republicans will have to go through a long process of committee hearings, Senate negotiations, and more votes before anything is legislated. The next challenge will be agreeing on a stand-alone bill to prevent a government shutdown, which will happen when federal funding expires on March 14.
Despite the obstacles, Republican leaders remain committed to delivering Trump’s legislative agenda. Still, the resistance of the Democrats and the growing unhappiness among some Republican congressmen indicates that the way forward will be heated.
