The House Budget Committee voted down the budget reconciliation bill in a blow to leadership’s efforts to pass President Donald Trump’s “big, beautiful bill.”
The bill was voted down 16-21 in committee, with Republican fiscal hawks, such as Reps. Andrew Clyde of Georgia, Chip Roy of Texas, Ralph Norman of South Carolina and Josh Brecheen of Oklahoma, voting it down. Rep. Lloyd Smucker, R-Pa., switched his vote from yes to no at the last moment.
House conservatives’ main concern remains the bill’s potential impact on America’s debt and deficit. While tax cuts remain a priority, these members have pushed for large cuts in federal spending to offset the budgetary effect. Conservatives argue that several portions of the bill, like moving up when Medicaid work requirements and the elimination of energy subsidies kick in, could further cut savings.
With so many outstanding questions, House Republicans were expected to continue vigorously debating major provisions of the budget reconciliation package no matter what way the budget committee voted. Beyond Medicaid work requirements and repealing President Joe Biden’s green energy subsidies, other these other points of contention include defunding Planned Parenthood and Transgender surgeries for minors as well as SALT deductions.
All Democrats on the committee opposed it as well.
An earlier social media post from Trump encouraged Republican members to get behind the bill. “We don’t need ‘GRANDSTANDERS’ in the Republican Party. STOP TALKING AND GET IT DONE!” the president said.
At the close of the hearing, Budget Committee Chairman Rep. Jodey Arrington, R-Texas, said, “I do not anticipate us coming back today,” and encouraged House members to go home for the weekend.
