Republicans Fight Over Budget Plan, Tax Cuts

Listen To Story Above

House Speaker Mike Johnson faces mounting challenges in his effort to pass a crucial budget resolution, as several Republican representatives signal their intention to vote against the measure.

Despite Johnson’s optimistic outlook and assertion that discussions are “very productive,” the resolution’s fate remains uncertain with a vote potentially scheduled for Tuesday. The Speaker’s task is particularly daunting given his position leading the narrowest House majority in American history.

The proposed budget resolution would permit up to $4.5 trillion in deficit increases to implement the president’s tax agenda while targeting spending cuts between $1.5 trillion and $2 trillion. Additionally, it includes a $4 trillion increase in the statutory debt limit.

House GOP’s budget resolution is on the verge of collapse as conservatives push back over spending. With just one vote to spare, Speaker Johnson is scrambling for support. "Why would I vote for that?" – Rep. Thomas Massie, Feb. 25, 2025, House GOP conference.

Source: WNCT, Feb.… pic.twitter.com/9pYRlq5cem

— Necole (@Necole_Unknown) February 25, 2025

While the Senate has already passed its own streamlined budget proposal along party lines, the House faces greater obstacles. The Senate’s leadership favors a two-phase approach, prioritizing border security and defense spending before addressing tax matters later in the year.

Despite receiving President Trump’s endorsement on February 19, Johnson’s ability to secure passage remains uncertain. Representatives Thomas Massie of Kentucky, Tim Burchett of Tennessee, and Victoria Spartz of Indiana have indicated their opposition to the current version.

“If the Republican budget passes, the deficit gets worse, not better,” Massie wrote on X Monday.

With their slim majority, House Republican leadership can only afford to lose one vote. Burchett’s opposition stems from his desire for more substantial spending reductions and a permanent extension of the 2017 Trump tax cuts, which are scheduled to expire this year.

Republican legislators warn that failing to extend the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act provisions could result in the largest tax increase in recent U.S. history for Americans and businesses.

Meanwhile, Johnson’s team is working to address concerns from moderate Republicans about potential impacts on Medicaid benefits and food assistance programs. Rep. Nicole Malliotakis of New York has shifted toward supporting the resolution after receiving assurances about Medicaid policy changes.

Once again the House Republican are snatching defeat from the jaws of victory. Time to replace all of them and start over. @HouseGOP

Trump budget bill in peril as warring House GOP factions threaten rebellion https://t.co/ksG52ovpbI #FoxNews

— R T (@RDog861) February 25, 2025

“There’s a lot of space to address the issue without hurting beneficiaries,” Malliotakis told reporters.

Johnson maintains an optimistic stance about securing sufficient votes. During an Americans for Prosperity event, he told Fox News’ Guy Benson, “We’re going to get everybody there. This is a prayer request. Just pray this through for us because it is very high stakes. And everybody knows that.”

“I don’t think anyone wants to be in front of this train, I think they want to be on it,” Johnson continued. “This can be an historic moment for our party and our principles. And this is the first step in what will be many steps. It’s day by day.”