Republicans are encountering challenges as they work on President Trump’s expansive domestic policy agenda, comprising tax cuts, increased immigration enforcement, military funding, and raising the debt ceiling. House committees have commenced discussions to draft the bill, focusing on budget cuts for funding, which has led to intraparty disputes over potential reductions to anti-poverty programs like Medicaid.
Key confrontations include Rep. Sam Graves withdrawing a proposed $20 annual fee on passenger vehicles after backlash from conservatives. Similarly, Rep. Darrell Issa’s proposal for a “gold card” visa for wealthy immigrants was rejected due to opposition from right-wing members who are against expanding visa programs. On the student loan front, Chairman Tim Walberg’s push for significant cuts drew criticism from Democrats, particularly regarding a “risk-sharing” measure that would hold educational institutions accountable for unpaid loans.
Amidst pressure to finalize a budget framework, House Speaker Mike Johnson aims to combine various package components by Memorial Day, which requires navigating complex negotiations with a slim majority. Vulnerable Republicans voice concerns regarding Medicaid cuts, with the Energy and Commerce Committee charged with identifying $880 billion in cuts. Notably, the discussions around Medicaid are especially sensitive as they approach the 2026 elections.
Additionally, Republicans are squabbling over issues like the SALT deduction cap, with differing viewpoints originating from lawmakers in blue states. With Senate leaders involved in these negotiations, the overall sentiment reflects a mixture of urgency and division as the GOP attempts to balance fiscal responsibility while addressing party factions. The decisions made in the coming weeks will significantly shape the legislative agenda.
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