By Brendan Scanland
WASHINGTON, D.C. — After a rare Sunday night vote in the House Budget Committee, President Donald Trump’s legislative agenda, dubbed his “one, big, beautiful bill” is back on track and could see a vote on the House floor as early as this week.
Trump’s self-described “big, beautiful bill” stalled briefly Friday afternoon when it failed to advance through the House Budget Committee. Hardline conservatives on the committee who had voted against the measure on Friday reversed course Sunday, voting “present” to allow the bill to advance.
“The House Budget Committee took a critical step to passing the ‘One Big, Beautiful Bill Act’ and making President Trump’s America First vision a reality for the American people,” said Rep. Jodey Arrington, (R-TX), chairman of the House Budget Committee.
The sweeping legislation includes trillions in tax cuts and large increases in military and national security spending, funded largely by overhauling clean energy initiatives and health and nutrition programs. Among the provisions are new work requirements for Medicaid to help fund extensions of Trump’s 2017 tax cuts and the elimination of taxes on tips and overtime pay.
“This bill falls profoundly short. It does not do what we say it does with respect to deficits,” said Rep. Chip Roy, (R-TX) on Friday.
Roy and other conservatives had originally blocked the bill, demanding immediate implementation of Medicaid work requirements, rather than the proposed 2029 start. While some of those concerns appear to have been addressed, lawmakers say more negotiations are ahead.
“There’s a lot more work to do,” said House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.). “We’ve always acknowledged that towards the end there will be more details to iron out, and we have several more to take care of.”
Democrats are ramping up opposition to the bill, particularly over the Medicaid changes.
“Every single House Republican that chooses to vote for this reckless budget that will hurt the people they represent is going to be held accountable,” said House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) on Monday.
If passed in the House, the bill will move to the Senate, where some Republicans have already voiced concerns about deep cuts to Medicaid.
Sen. Dave McCormick (R-Pa.), said in a recent interview that he is waiting to review the final version of the House plan, but emphasized the need to protect vulnerable Americans who rely on Medicaid.
“In areas like Medicaid, for example, we can’t make cuts that are affecting vulnerable people for which the program is for. But it’s totally appropriate that we make sure we enforce work requirements so able-bodied men without dependents don’t get benefits that weren’t designed for them in the first place,” said McCormick.
Speaker Johnson said he is “absolutely convinced” the bill will be finalized and passed before the Memorial Day deadline.
