The United States government is facing a potential shutdown as tensions rise over a proposed spending bill. With the clock ticking, Speaker of the House Mike Johnson is working tirelessly to secure every single vote in the Republican conference to pass the bill. However, with a slim majority, Johnson cannot afford to lose even one vote.
“We made a promise to deliver President Trump’s full agenda, not just a part of it. We cannot settle for a small piece now and hope for the rest later,” Johnson stated in a press conference on Tuesday.
Despite his efforts, several members of the House Republican conference remain hesitant about the size of the spending measure, the proposed extension of the 2017 tax cuts, and how to address the growing U.S. deficit without cutting essential safety net programs that support American voters. In response, Senate leadership has suggested passing the tax cuts in a separate bill later this year.
“We have a moral obligation to not only find savings for the American taxpayer, but also to use their money more efficiently. We must also take responsibility for reducing our national debt,” Johnson emphasized.
President Donald Trump has called for a “big, beautiful bill” that will play a crucial role in implementing his domestic policy agenda. However, despite Trump’s preference for the House version of the budget, the Senate passed a funding resolution on Friday that includes $150 billion for military funding and $175 billion for border security. This measure also avoids the controversial Medicaid cuts proposed in the House version.
Republican Representative Tony Gonzales led a group of seven other House Republicans in warning against potential cuts to Medicaid, food assistance, and other social safety net programs.
“Slashing Medicaid would have serious consequences, especially in rural and predominantly Hispanic communities where hospitals and nursing homes are already struggling to stay afloat,” the lawmakers stated in a letter to Johnson last week.
Another Republican Representative, Thomas Massie, a member of the conservative Freedom Caucus, has also announced his intention to vote against the current version of the budget. Several other House Republicans have yet to declare their votes on the measure.
Meanwhile, Congressional Democrats are also voicing their objections to the Republican tax cut proposal, arguing that it will harm lower-income and middle-class Americans who are already struggling with the rising cost of living and inflation.
In a “Dear Colleagues” letter sent on Monday morning, Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries wrote, “Extreme right-wing groups are determined to push through $4.5 trillion in tax breaks for wealthy Republican donors and well-connected corporations, adding to our national debt and burdening everyday Americans by cutting Medicaid. We must stand together and use all our resources to stop the GOP Tax Scam in its tracks.”
Last week, Trump took to Truth Social to express his support for the House and Senate working together as a unified team. However, he also made it clear that he prefers the House version of the budget, stating that it implements his “FULL America First Agenda,” not just parts of it.
If lawmakers fail to reach a compromise by March 14th, there will be a partial government shutdown, leaving millions of federal employees without pay and suspending nonessential government services.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune has not ruled out the possibility of another short-term spending bill to give lawmakers more time to work on a compromise.
“We are considering all options, but time is running out,” Thune told reporters on Tuesday.
The Senate proceeded with a vote on its version of the budget due to uncertainty over the success of the vote on the House version. Ultimately, the two versions will need to be reconciled before being signed into law.
However, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer sees this as the first step towards hurting American voters.
“Make no mistake, this budget will harm seniors, children, and the disabled to benefit the wealthy. It is wrong, and we will use every tool at our disposal to address the concerns of our constituents, unite with them, and fight against this tax break for billionaires,” Schumer declared in a press conference on Tuesday.
As the deadline approaches, it is crucial for lawmakers to put aside their differences and work together to find a solution that benefits all Americans. The American people deserve a government that works for them, not against them. Let us hope that our elected officials can come together and pass a budget that reflects the best interests of the American people.
