The GOP has to deliver for President Trump.
Washington, D.C. — With just weeks to go before the Memorial Day deadline, House Republicans are still at odds over President Donald Trump’s landmark budget reconciliation bill — a signature part of his first-year legislative agenda to restore fiscal discipline and prioritize America First policies.
What should be a moment of conservative unity has instead become a showdown between moderate lawmakers and fiscal hawks. The stakes are high: billions in spending cuts, key tax reform priorities, and the future of entitlement programs like Medicaid all hang in the balance.
Trump’s Vision: Cut Waste, Not Benefits
President Trump has been crystal clear: he will not allow Medicaid benefits to be slashed for American citizens. But that doesn’t mean business as usual in Washington. The President continues to push for federal work requirements, stricter eligibility enforcement, and the elimination of benefits for non-citizens—a move widely supported by conservative voters.
“These reforms are not about cuts,” Trump said in a recent statement. “They’re about restoring accountability and making sure your tax dollars are protected.”
SALT Deductions Divide the GOP
One of the fiercest debates centers on the State and Local Tax (SALT) deduction cap. Republican lawmakers from high-tax states like New York and California are demanding an increase to help constituents who are being crushed by Democrat-imposed taxes.
Rep. Nicole Malliotakis (R-NY) and other SALT Caucus members are pushing for a higher deduction cap, but so far, no agreement has been reached. One proposal suggests raising the cap to $62,000 — a figure that could ease the burden for many middle-class families while still aligning with conservative tax principles.
Medicaid Reform: A Flashpoint for Conservatives
The House Energy and Commerce Committee, led by Rep. Brett Guthrie (R-KY), is exploring per capita spending caps on Medicaid as a way to rein in runaway costs. But moderate Republicans are pushing back, citing recent CBO projections that millions could lose coverage under the proposal.
Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) has struck a careful tone, backing the need for reform while recognizing the political tightrope. “I defer to our committee chairs,” Johnson said. “But our priority remains clear: protect American families, reduce the deficit, and restore conservative values in our budget.”
Freedom Caucus Demands Real Spending Cuts
Fiscal conservatives are sounding the alarm. Rep. Lloyd Smucker (R-PA), backed by over 30 House members, sent a letter warning leadership not to water down the House’s original spending targets.
“This is our chance to reverse decades of reckless spending,” said Rep. Andy Harris (R-MD), Chair of the House Freedom Caucus. “Without serious Medicaid reforms, we can’t hit our $1.5 trillion savings goal.”
Key Priorities on the Table:
- ✅ $1.5 trillion in spending cuts
- ✅ $880 billion in targeted healthcare savings
- ✅ Work requirements for Medicaid recipients
- ✅ Ban on Medicaid for non-citizens
- ✅ SALT deduction relief for high-tax states
What Comes Next
Despite the gridlock, Republicans still aim to hold committee markups next week. But with no formal schedule in place, and with sharp divides on core issues, the Memorial Day deadline is looking increasingly ambitious.
“We’re still ironing out the details,” said Rep. Buddy Carter (R-GA). “But we remain committed to getting this done for the American people.”
Final Word: A Defining Test for GOP Unity
This reconciliation bill isn’t just a legislative fight—it’s a test of the Republican Party’s ability to govern and deliver on the Trump agenda. With sky-high debt, failing entitlement programs, and growing frustration among voters, conservatives know the time to act is now.
Whether it’s eliminating wasteful spending or defending American taxpayers from bloated government programs, House Republicans must unite and finish the job.