WASHINGTON — A recent vote by the GOP-led House Budget Committee has cast uncertainty over President Donald Trump’s major legislative package, dealing a notable setback to Speaker Mike Johnson and his allies. The committee’s decision, which concluded with a 21-16 rejection, saw a coalition of conservative hard-liners and all Democratic members opposing the multitrillion-dollar proposal.
Among the Republicans who voted against the bill were Reps. Chip Roy of Texas, Ralph Norman of South Carolina, Andrew Clyde of Georgia, and Josh Brecheen of Oklahoma. Notably, Rep. Lloyd Smucker of Pennsylvania switched his vote from “yes” to “no,” a strategic move that allows for the possibility of revisiting the bill in the future.
During the committee meeting, Roy voiced strong objections, stating the proposal would worsen the national deficit. “This bill falls profoundly short,” he declared, arguing that it would lead to increased deficits in the first half of the 10-year budget window. He emphasized the need for substantial changes to secure his support, criticizing the legislation for prioritizing spending over savings.
Following the vote, committee chair Rep. Jodey Arrington of Texas immediately adjourned the session, noting that members would not reconvene over the weekend. In a lighthearted comment, Rep. Glenn Grothman of Wisconsin compared the situation to the end of a school year, while expressing optimism that the bill would ultimately pass.
Arrington acknowledged that the vote was a critical moment for the party, emphasizing the importance of deadlines in facilitating progress. He stated that Republicans would regroup to refine the legislation and continue negotiations in the coming days.
The delay complicates Johnson’s goal of passing the bill by Memorial Day, which Trump has dubbed his “big, beautiful bill.” However, Smucker expressed hope that the committee could advance the proposal by early next week, potentially keeping the House on track for approval shortly thereafter.
The Freedom Caucus indicated that its members would remain actively engaged in discussions throughout the weekend, underscoring their commitment to advancing the legislation. Their message highlighted the ongoing efforts to negotiate improvements to the reconciliation package, aiming to address the concerns raised by the dissenting members.
Just hours prior to the committee’s vote, Trump urged Republican unity through a post on Truth Social, calling for party members to rally behind the proposed legislation. “Republicans MUST UNITE behind, ‘THE ONE, BIG BEAUTIFUL BILL!’” he declared, dismissing those he deemed “grandstanders.”
As negotiations progress, it’s clear that the Republican party is facing significant internal divisions. In addition to the fiscal concerns from conservative members, discussions are ongoing regarding the state and local tax deduction cap, which has become a point of contention among some blue-state Republicans.
As debates continue within the GOP, Democratic representatives like Brendan Boyle of Pennsylvania have already committed to opposing the bill, framing it as disproportionately beneficial to billionaires while criticizing the fractures within the Republican ranks. Boyle’s remarks suggest a contentious path ahead as both parties prepare for further clashes over this pivotal legislative effort.