In a surprising move, former President Donald Trump endorsed a House budget plan that significantly diverges from Senate Republicans' intentions. This endorsement has prompted the White House to send Vice-President JD Vance to meet with Senate Republicans, aiming to soothe the brewing tensions. The House plan, which Trump backs, proposes adding $4.5 trillion to the deficit through tax cuts, coupled with substantial reductions to federal benefits programs such as Medicare, Medicaid, and food assistance. This development forces Senate Republicans to rethink their legislative strategy, as they had initially planned to vote on a more streamlined package focusing on defense, border security, and energy provisions.
The endorsement by Trump has complicated matters for Congress, which faces a 14 March deadline to pass the budget bill and avert a government shutdown. If the deadline is missed, hundreds of thousands of federal employees may face unpaid furloughs. The House proposal necessitates either a $2 trillion cut from mandatory programs or a corresponding rollback of tax breaks to balance the books, placing Senate Republicans in a precarious position.
Senate Republicans hold 53 seats but require at least 60 votes to pass any funding measure and overcome a potential filibuster. This numerical challenge is heightened by internal disagreements and the slim majority held by House Speaker Mike Johnson, who faces his own political hurdles with a narrow 218-215 margin.
"If a bill is put in front of me that guts the benefits my neighbors rely on, I will not vote for it" – Rob Bresnahan
Trump's proposal has met resistance within the Republican ranks, as many are concerned about the proposed entitlement cuts. Despite this, Trump recently stated on Fox News that entitlement programs like Medicare and Medicaid would not be affected.
"Medicare, Medicaid – none of that stuff is going to be touched" – Donald Trump
"Unlike the Lindsey Graham version of the very important Legislation currently being discussed, the House Resolution implements my FULL America First Agenda" – Donald Trump
As the House remains in recess until next week, Senate Republicans are left to strategize their next steps. Senate Majority Leader John Thune expressed readiness to collaborate with the House if they can produce a comprehensive bill.
"If the House can produce one big, beautiful bill, we’re prepared to work with them to get that across the finish line" – John Thune
Despite Trump's endorsement, Thune emphasized the need for flexibility in negotiations.
"But we believe that the president also likes optionality" – John Thune