Trump’s ‘big, beautiful bill’ in peril before key House Budget Committee meeting

President Donald Trump’s ambitious legislative agenda, known as the “big, beautiful bill,” is facing significant challenges as it heads towards a critical meeting by the House Budget Committee. The multitrillion-dollar piece of legislation is aimed at enacting Trump’s priorities on tax, immigration, defense, energy, and raising the debt limit.

As of late Thursday afternoon, at least three Republicans on the committee have indicated that they will vote against advancing the bill in its current form. GOP Reps. Andrew Clyde, R-Ga., Ralph Norman, R-S.C., and Chip Roy, R-Texas, have all voiced their opposition to the legislation. They have raised concerns about various provisions in the bill, including those related to Medicaid, green energy subsidies, and the timing of certain measures.

Rep. Chip Roy expressed his dissatisfaction with the bill, stating that it fails to make significant changes to spending and includes delayed provisions that do not address the current challenges. Other members of the committee, such as Rep. Josh Brecheen, R-Okla., and Rep. Glenn Grothman, R-Wis., have also shared their reservations about the legislation.

With only one expected absence among Republicans on the House Budget Committee, the GOP can only afford one “no” vote to advance the bill. Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., is leading House Republicans through the legislative process and has set a goal of passing the bill by Memorial Day.

One of the key issues causing concern among Republicans is the proposed increase in the state and local tax (SALT) deduction cap. Some moderate House Republicans are pushing for a higher cap, while conservative fiscal hawks are insisting on deeper spending cuts to offset the cost.

House GOP leaders are actively negotiating with both groups to find a compromise that will satisfy all parties. The bill must pass through the House Budget Committee and the House Rules Committee before it goes to the full House for a vote. If passed by the House, it will then move to the Senate for consideration and potential amendments.

Despite the challenges facing the bill, House GOP leaders remain optimistic about its prospects. While some members have raised valid concerns about specific provisions, negotiations are ongoing to address these issues and move the legislation forward. The fate of Trump’s legislative agenda hangs in the balance as lawmakers work to find common ground and advance the bill through the legislative process.