House Republicans have passed a budget resolution, a crucial step in advancing former President Donald Trump’s economic agenda, which includes $4.5 trillion in tax breaks and $2 trillion in spending cuts. The GOP-controlled House approved the measure in a narrow 217-215 vote, overcoming opposition from Democrats and hesitation from some Republican lawmakers.
House Speaker Mike Johnson, operating with a slim majority, worked to secure support amid resistance from Democrats and concerns among GOP members. Trump personally lobbied lawmakers, making calls to those on the fence and inviting Republicans to the White House to rally backing.
“On a vote like this, you’re always going to have people you’re talking to all the way through the close of the vote,” Majority Leader Steve Scalise said ahead of the vote. “It’s that tight.”
The budget resolution is designed to extend tax cuts secured during Trump’s first term, which are set to expire later this year, while also implementing significant reductions in federal spending. The next phase involves extensive committee hearings to draft specific legislation, followed by a Senate review. The Senate has already proposed a scaled-back version, and further negotiations are expected.
Beyond the budget resolution, lawmakers face upcoming votes on unrelated spending matters, including a deal to prevent a government shutdown before the March 14 funding deadline.
Concerns over spending cuts and debt
The proposal includes substantial cuts to federal programs, notably $880 billion from health care expenditures, including Medicaid, and $230 billion from agricultural programs such as food stamps. While GOP leaders argue the budget framework does not explicitly target Medicaid, some lawmakers sought assurances that critical social programs would not be slashed.
Rep. Mike Lawler, R-N.Y., emphasized Trump’s commitment to preserving Medicaid. “The president was clear about that. I was clear about that,” Lawler said. “We will work through this, but the objective today is to begin the process.”
At the same time, fiscal conservatives worry that the budget might exacerbate the national debt, which stands at $36 trillion. The cost of extending tax breaks—estimated at $4.5 trillion over a decade—outweighs the proposed $2 trillion in spending cuts, raising concerns among deficit hawks.
Democratic opposition and public backlash
Democrats strongly oppose the measure, labeling it a “Republican rip-off” and a betrayal of American families. House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries condemned the proposal, stating, “Our very way of life as a country is under assault.”
Public criticism is also mounting as billionaire Trump adviser Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency implements mass layoffs across federal agencies, leading to voter unrest at town hall meetings.
Republican divisions and senate dynamics
Despite the House’s approval, divisions remain within the GOP. Some Republican lawmakers, particularly those in the Congressional Hispanic Conference, have raised concerns about potential cuts to Medicaid, food stamps, and Pell Grants. Rep. Tony Gonzales, R-Texas, and other GOP members stressed the need to protect essential social programs while advancing Trump’s economic priorities.
Senate Republicans have introduced a separate $340 billion package focusing on border security and deportation efforts, with plans to address tax cuts later in the year. Some GOP senators view the House’s approach as more comprehensive but acknowledge the challenges of securing final approval.
“I’m holding my breath. I’m crossing my fingers,” said Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas. “I think a one-shot is their best opportunity.”
Johnson’s leadership faces increasing pressure as the GOP’s slim majority leaves little room for dissent. The budget resolution now moves into a lengthy process of committee deliberations and Senate negotiations. House Budget Committee Chairman Jodey Arrington argues that the economic projections underlying the proposal, which assume growth from 1.8% to 2.6%, would generate $2.6 trillion in savings over a decade and help reduce the deficit.
However, some fiscal advocacy groups view these projections as overly optimistic, casting doubt on whether the plan will ultimately achieve its intended financial targets. As the debate unfolds, both parties are gearing up for a prolonged battle over spending priorities and economic policy.
