The House Budget Committee Advances GOP Reconciliation Package
In a dramatic turn of events on Sunday night, the House Budget Committee narrowly passed the Republican reconciliation package with a vote of 17-16, while four members opted to abstain.
This decision came after GOP lawmakers regrouped following the failure to pass former President Trump’s budget proposal just two days prior. The Sunday night session marked a crucial step for Republicans as they pushed the reconciliation package forward.
THE HOUSE BUDGET COMMITTEE has passed the Republicans’ reconciliation package.
17-16, with 4 present.
JOHNSON gets the bill out of the committee. But there is A LOT of more work to do here
— Jake Sherman (@JakeSherman) May 19, 2025
Despite this initial success, significant hurdles remain. According to reports from CNN, GOP members are still entangled in negotiations to refine the legislation.
House Rs are in intense talks with hardliners about changes to bill — which is expected to make implementation of Medicaid work requirements sooner and more quickly phase out green energy tax credits.
But at Sunday night Budget Committee, Rs not detailing what changes on table
— Manu Raju (@mkraju) May 19, 2025
According to Punchbowl News, four hardline Republicans—Reps. Norman, Roy, Clyde, and Brecheen—are at the forefront of advocating for modifications to the bill. Their push for changes, particularly regarding Medicaid funding adjustments, has created friction with more moderate party members who are resistant to such shifts.
Sources involved in the reconciliation talks say that the four hardline conservatives — norman, roy, clyde and brecheen — are still pushing for FMAP changes.
This has been a line that moderates have not been willing to cross.
— Jake Sherman (@JakeSherman) May 19, 2025
Fox News reported that President Trump’s ambitious “one big, beautiful bill” has successfully navigated a critical obstacle in the House, edging closer to a full chamber vote in the upcoming week. Lawmakers were called back to Washington for a late-night meeting to deliberate on the legislation, which advanced largely along party lines.
Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., made an unexpected appearance just before the vote, expressing optimism: “We think this is going to go well tonight. We’re about to find out.” He noted that “minor modifications” to the bill are likely forthcoming.
The backdrop of this vote was marked by a rebellion from four conservative members of the House Freedom Caucus, who had previously stalled the bill’s progress. These members demanded stricter measures on Medicaid and a reduction in green energy subsidies, as outlined in the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), before they could support the legislation in a broader vote.
