Trump’s landmark legislative win leaves GOP searching for next move
After the successful passage of the Big, Beautiful Bill, the focus for Congressional Republicans and the Trump administration now shifts to determining what legislative initiatives to tackle in the remaining 18 months of the 119th Congress. With the signature tax breaks and spending cuts bill now law, the GOP must strategize on the next steps.
One significant upcoming project is the rescissions bill set to be presented in the Senate next week. This bill, requested by the administration to cancel previously appropriated spending, includes cuts to USAID and public broadcasting. The House narrowly approved the package last month, and now the Senate must align with the House before the July 18 deadline. Senate Majority Leader John Thune has noted that the bill is subject to amendments, which could potentially complicate the process.
Funding the government and avoiding a shutdown remains a critical challenge for Congress. A temporary funding measure was approved in March to prevent a shutdown, but the path to passing all 12 spending bills before the October 1 deadline is narrowing. House Speaker Mike Johnson had pledged to advance the bills one by one, but the House Appropriations Committee has yet to ready any spending packages for the floor.
Looking ahead, Republicans are also considering another reconciliation package to address fiscal issues that were not included in the Big, Beautiful Bill. This package must not add to the deficit over a decade and could include provisions to cut spending and achieve additional goals. Additionally, House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer is leading an inquiry into what former Biden officials knew about the cognitive state of the former president, aiming to prevent future presidents from relying on staff if they are unable to fulfill their duties.
As the midterms approach, much of the legislative agenda for the coming months will revolve around campaigning and preparing for the elections. With the touchstone of President Trump’s agenda now signed into law, both Republicans and Democrats are strategizing on how to leverage the outcomes in the fall of 2026. The focus now shifts to crafting a cohesive agenda that addresses key issues and resonates with voters leading up to the midterm elections.
