House Republicans’ ambitious budget reconciliation bill faces uncertainty as at least two GOP lawmakers threaten to vote against it. With Speaker Mike Johnson navigating a razor-thin majority, any defections could derail a package designed to advance President Donald Trump’s border, defense, tax, and energy priorities.
Rep. Tim Burchett of Tennessee and Rep. Victoria Spartz of Indiana have both expressed opposition, citing concerns about excessive government spending. Spartz called for stronger commitments to budget cuts, while Burchett warned that simply slowing the rate of spending increases is not enough. Meanwhile, moderate Republicans from swing districts remain hesitant over proposed cuts to Medicaid and other federal programs meant to offset the costs of Trump’s initiatives.
Rep. Nicole Malliotakis of New York acknowledged that six to ten GOP lawmakers were still undecided, stating that she sought reassurances that spending cuts would not harm seniors and people with disabilities in her district. Arizona Rep. Juan Ciscomani also attended meetings on the bill but has yet to commit to supporting it. Texas Rep. Tony Gonzales remains undecided as well, with all three lawmakers awaiting more clarity from House leadership.
Rep. Thomas Massie of Kentucky has also signaled opposition, warning that the bill would worsen the deficit rather than improve it. With their slim House majority, Republicans can only afford to lose one vote if Democrats remain unified against the bill.
House and Senate Republicans are pushing to pass a sweeping legislative package through budget reconciliation, allowing them to bypass the Senate’s usual 60-vote threshold. The bill proposes roughly $300 billion in new spending for border security, the judiciary, and defense while seeking at least $1.5 trillion to $2 trillion in spending cuts elsewhere. It also earmarks $4.5 trillion to extend provisions of Trump’s 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which are set to expire at the end of the year.
As negotiations continue, House leadership faces the challenge of securing enough votes to advance the legislation while addressing concerns from both fiscal hawks and moderates wary of drastic cuts. With a vote expected soon, the pressure is on to find a path forward that satisfies the full spectrum of the Republican caucus.
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