House Republicans are moving forward with a budget resolution that could fast-track President Trump’s America First policies, consolidating his key priorities into a single massive bill.
The resolution, set for a crucial vote this week, is designed to bypass Democratic opposition using the budget reconciliation process. But with a razor-thin GOP majority, even minor Republican dissent could derail the plan.
The House’s proposal authorizes over $5 trillion in new spending while outlining at least $1.5 trillion in spending cuts.
A massive $4.5 trillion chunk is allocated to extending tax provisions from Trump’s 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA), a key campaign promise.
The bill also includes $200 billion for border security and immigration enforcement, $100 billion for military spending, and a $4 trillion increase in the debt ceiling.
Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) has made it clear that the House plan fully implements Trump’s agenda in a single package, rather than the Senate’s alternative two-bill approach.
Trump himself has endorsed the House’s version, calling it “ONE BIG BEAUTIFUL BILL” on Truth Social. However, some Senate Republicans remain hesitant, preferring a phased approach that first tackles border security and defense spending before addressing tax cuts and debt limits.
The House Rules Committee is set to review the resolution on Monday, paving the way for a floor vote. But uncertainty looms, as several moderate Republicans have expressed reservations over potential Medicaid cuts included in the bill’s spending reductions.
Rep. Victoria Spartz (R-IN), known for shifting positions on key votes, announced her opposition to the resolution on Sunday, citing concerns over the depth of the spending cuts.
Additionally, Reps. David Valadao (R-CA), Nicole Malliotakis (R-NY), and Don Bacon (R-NE) have withheld their support, also citing Medicaid concerns. With only a one-seat majority, House Republicans cannot afford more than one defection if they hope to pass the resolution.
Valadao suggested that as many as 10 Republicans remain “really nervous” about the proposed cuts, further complicating Johnson’s task of unifying the party.
Trump has repeatedly stated that Medicaid and Social Security will not be cut beyond measures targeting fraud. But the House resolution directs the Energy and Commerce Committee to find $880 billion in savings—an amount that some argue would require significant reductions to Medicaid funding.
Hardline conservatives insist that spending cuts must match tax reductions, while moderates are wary of slashing programs that serve their constituents.
In contrast, Senate Republicans are proceeding with their own reconciliation resolution, which authorizes $300 billion for border security and military funding but avoids immediate tax cut extensions. If the House’s single-package approach fails to pass, Senate Republicans have signaled that their two-bill strategy could serve as a fallback option.
Beyond the budget battle, Congress is also racing against a looming March 14 government shutdown deadline. Lawmakers have yet to reach an agreement on broader federal spending, adding another layer of uncertainty to an already tense legislative landscape.
With Trump’s full backing, House Republicans are pushing forward with their all-in-one strategy, but internal divisions within the party could determine whether “one big beautiful bill” becomes reality—or collapses before it reaches Trump’s desk.