Trump Celebrates Major Victory: House Approves GOP Budget Plan with Dramatic Spending Cuts

The House of Representatives, under Republican control, recently voted to adopt a budget framework backed by GOP leaders and former President Donald Trump. This move allows Speaker Mike Johnson to maintain his image as a unifying figure among Republicans in the chamber.

Johnson and Texas Rep. Jodey Arrington, the House GOP Budget Committee Chair, convinced several key party members who initially resisted the plan, feeling it didn’t cut federal spending enough. Only Rep. Thomas Massie from Kentucky opposed the bill, while others, like Reps. Victoria Spartz and Warren Davidson, eventually supported it.

Initially, there were plans to delay the vote, but lawmakers were called back to the floor over an hour later. The legislation passed narrowly, 217-215. Johnson stated, “There’s no Plan B. This is the plan we’re running.” He emphasized that this legislation would help move Congress closer to achieving Trump’s America First agenda. “We’ll celebrate tonight and get back to work in the morning,” he added.

Democrats took the opportunity to criticize Republicans for their lack of unity and questioned the effectiveness of Johnson’s negotiation skills. The legislation, while still a framework, includes a proposal for $2 trillion in spending cuts over the next decade, with significant reductions expected in Medicaid programs.

Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries expressed concern, stating this could lead to the largest Medicaid cuts in U.S. history. Other Democrats joined in the criticism, highlighting the risks associated with the budget proposal.

Rep. Brittany Pettersen from Colorado brought attention to the moral implications of the vote, questioning how representatives could face their constituents after supporting such measures. Similarly, Rep. Maxwell Frost from Florida urged constituents to hold their representatives accountable for their votes.

Reports indicated that Trump was actively reaching out to potential no-voters just before the vote, illustrating his continued influence within the party. He has vested interests in the legislation as it also aims to increase funding for border security and extend tax cuts from 2017, a significant achievement from his first term.

Johnson acknowledged Trump’s role, calling him a “big help” in rallying support. However, the budget framework still needs to clear more hurdles before it becomes law. The Senate, which holds a slim Republican majority, has signaled that adjustments will be necessary for the legislation to be accepted. The current framework merely sets the stage for more comprehensive budget discussions in the upcoming weeks.

The recent vote and the quick turnaround in opposition among GOP members showcase Trump’s lasting influence over House Republicans, as many who switched their votes had been vocal about their concerns in the days leading up to the vote.

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