GOP rebels push for at least $2.5 trillion cuts in Trump budget bill
Republican spending hawks in the House of Representatives are ramping up pressure on their leaders to include at least $2.5 trillion in spending cuts in a comprehensive piece of legislation aimed at advancing President Donald Trump’s agenda. The House GOP held a closed-door meeting on Wednesday to discuss their strategy for moving forward through the budget reconciliation process, which would allow them to pass major fiscal policy changes with a simple majority in the Senate.
During the meeting, there was reportedly significant frustration among House Republicans over the lack of a concrete plan from party leadership. Conservative members, including House Budget Committee members Ralph Norman and Chip Roy, are pushing Speaker Mike Johnson to seek significant spending cuts to the tune of $2.5 trillion. Tensions ran high, with some lawmakers engaging in heated exchanges and demanding a clear plan with higher spending cuts than initially proposed.
There is concern that the Senate could move forward with its own plan if the House doesn’t act quickly, potentially resulting in shallower spending cuts than what House Republicans are pushing for. Some lawmakers expressed frustration over the delay in finalizing a plan, with one calling for a “play call” to be made sooner rather than later.
House GOP leaders have been consulting members and working to develop a blueprint for a one-bill strategy through the reconciliation process. While initial proposals for spending cuts ranged from $300 billion to $600 billion, some lawmakers are advocating for a baseline of $2.5 trillion in cuts. The goal is to pass a bill that includes measures to spur economic growth while also addressing key Trump policies, such as funding for border security and extending the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017.
Leaders are considering a plan that includes roughly $1.65 trillion in spending cuts as a baseline, with additional measures to generate another $1.65 trillion in economic growth. There is also discussion of extending the TCJA tax cuts by five years instead of 10 to mitigate concerns about adding to the federal deficit.
Reps. Roy and Norman have been vocal in their support for significant spending cuts, with Roy emphasizing the need to deliver on the promised $2.5 trillion in cuts to unlock the door for conservative support. Norman has called for between $2 trillion and $3 trillion in cuts to address the nation’s growing national debt.
House GOP leaders are working to finalize a plan that satisfies the demands of spending hawks while advancing Trump’s agenda through reconciliation. The goal remains to have a bill on Trump’s desk by May, despite the delays and tensions within the party. As discussions continue, House Republicans are focused on finding a balance between cutting spending and promoting economic growth to achieve their legislative goals.
