Steve Scalise pledges ‘robust’ reconciliation bill, floats debt limit plan
House Republicans in Doral, Florida are gearing up for a busy few weeks as they face three fiscal deadlines and President Donald Trump’s push for an active first 100 days in office.
The GOP leaders are focusing on a conservative policy overhaul through the reconciliation process. This process allows them to advance their policy goals into law with a simple majority vote in the Senate, instead of the usual 60-vote threshold. House Majority Leader Steve Scalise emphasized their commitment to delivering on Trump’s campaign promises, including no tax on tips, funding for border security, and reducing regulations that burden families.
Scalise expressed optimism about the upcoming reconciliation bill, which he believes will be more robust than previous ones. While some Republicans have suggested focusing on border and energy policies first, House leaders are determined to include a comprehensive package in the reconciliation bill.
In addition to the reconciliation process, lawmakers are facing the reinstatement of the debt ceiling and the deadline to avert a government shutdown on March 14. Scalise hinted at the possibility of combining these two deadlines to streamline negotiations.
During the House GOP retreat at Trump’s golf club in Doral, lawmakers discussed strategies for meeting their deadlines and enacting Trump’s agenda. Trump and Vice President JD Vance addressed the group, urging them to act on the debt limit without giving leverage to Democrats.
With only a slim margin for passing bills along party lines, House GOP leaders may need to seek Democratic support on government funding. The possibility of combining all 12 annual appropriations bills into an omnibus is also being considered, despite opposition from some GOP hardliners.
As the deadline to avert a government shutdown looms closer, negotiations are intensifying to reach a topline agreement on fiscal year 2025 spending. Scalise remains optimistic about finding a resolution and ensuring that Trump’s priorities are met.
Elizabeth Elkind, a politics reporter for Fox News Digital, is leading the coverage of the House of Representatives. Follow her on Twitter at @liz_elkind for the latest updates on the ongoing fiscal negotiations in Congress.
