Republicans get new policy roadmap for second ‘big, beautiful’ Trump bill

Conservative Think Tank Offers Roadmap for Republicans’ Second Act

A conservative think tank that played a key role in shaping President Donald Trump’s “one big, beautiful bill” is circulating a new roadmap of recommendations for Republicans’ second act.

The Economic Policy Innovation Center, also known as EPIC For America, has been sharing a new memo with key congressional GOP figures in recent days, according to a source familiar with the group’s plans. The memo, obtained by Fox News Digital, advises lawmakers to push for further Medicaid and regulatory reforms, crack down on federal dollars for government pensions and student loans, and use fiscal policy to extend conservative goals on abortion and transgender treatment.

The first victory for Republican leaders was passing Trump’s massive agenda bill despite razor-thin majorities in the House and Senate. However, EPIC argues that continued reforms are necessary for meaningful fiscal reform.

“Unfortunately, even with the victories for the American people in the OBBB, our work is far from done. We must rebuild an economy that truly works for every American, while protecting the nation’s financial foundation to ensure lasting resilience,” the memo states.

The group emphasizes the importance of maintaining fiscal space to respond to crises effectively. Recommendations in the memo include further Medicaid cuts, reforming federal bureaucrat compensation and retirement, eliminating public sector student loan forgiveness, and extending the ban on taxpayer funds to abortion providers.

EPIC also suggests enhancing personal and employer-based healthcare, such as Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangements (ICHRAs) and Health Savings Accounts (HSAs). The group views an extension of the ban on taxpayer funds to abortion providers and blocking Medicaid funds for gender transition care as critical to a second reconciliation bill.

EPIC was founded by Paul Winfree, who served as director of budget policy during the first Trump administration. The group has close ties to Capitol Hill and is prepared to work with Republicans through the various steps of the budget reconciliation process.

Budget reconciliation allows the party in power to enact broad fiscal policy changes while sidelining the opposition. EPIC executive vice president Brittany Madni confirmed the memo’s authenticity and stated that the group is ready to offer guidance to lawmakers as details evolve.

House Speaker Mike Johnson has expressed his goal of passing further reconciliation bills, but the specifics of a second bill remain uncertain.

Elizabeth Elkind is a politics reporter for Fox News Digital leading coverage of the House of Representatives. Follow her on Twitter at @liz_elkind and send tips to elizabeth.elkind@fox.com.