Republican fiscal conservatives in the House are urging party leaders to incorporate substantial spending reductions, at least $2.5 trillion, into a major legislative package designed to further President Trump's policy goals. Discussions within the House GOP conference have grown tense, with some members expressing frustration over the lack of a definitive plan from leadership regarding the budget reconciliation process.
Conservatives like House Budget Committee members Ralph Norman and Chip Roy are advocating for significant spending cuts. (Getty Images)
Internal disagreements have arisen, with some representatives feeling unheard and demanding more substantial cuts than initially proposed. Concerns also exist that the Senate, showing increasing impatience, might proceed with its own budget plan, potentially containing less aggressive spending reductions. Senate Budget Committee Chairman Lindsey Graham has indicated his intention to move forward with a Senate bill next week.
Sen. Lindsey Graham is preparing to advance a budget bill through his committee. (Kent Nishimura/Getty Images)
While some House Republicans express frustration over the perceived lack of direction, senior GOP aides contend that extensive consultations have taken place, including a recent retreat in Miami, to develop a strategic framework. They emphasize a high level of member participation in the reconciliation process. However, a key vote on the reconciliation bill was delayed after resistance from fiscal hawks to initial spending cut proposals, ranging from $300 billion to $600 billion. House Majority Leader Steve Scalise has indicated the vote is likely to be rescheduled for the following week.
House Majority Leader Steve Scalise maintains that Republicans are on schedule to present a bill to President Trump in May. (Posner/Anadolu via Getty Images)
Reports suggest that House GOP leaders are considering a plan with a baseline of approximately $1.65 trillion in spending cuts, potentially coupled with measures aimed at generating an equivalent amount in economic growth. The reconciliation bill aims to encompass a range of Trump's policies, including increased border security funding and tax changes. Extending the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) is a priority for Trump, but presents a challenge due to its potential impact on the deficit. To address this, a five-year extension of the TCJA, rather than ten, is being considered. Reps. Chip Roy and Ralph Norman, both fiscal conservatives, have publicly advocated for spending cuts of around $2.5 trillion.
The reconciliation process is being utilized to advance President Trump's legislative priorities. (Donald Trump/Truth Social)
