The GOP is preparing for a big fight.
The Republican Party is facing increasing tensions and divisions over the federal budget, as GOP members grapple with how to fulfill promises to restore fiscal responsibility. These divisions became evident after the House Freedom Caucus, a group of about 30 of the most conservative Republican members of Congress, unveiled their own budget resolution. This proposal contrasts sharply with the single-bill plan put forth by House Speaker Mike Johnson and GOP leaders, advocating instead for a two-bill approach that includes substantial spending cuts, increased border security funding, and a significant debt ceiling increase.
This internal conflict raises questions about whether the Republican Party, under the leadership of President Donald Trump, will be able to present a unified front as they navigate the current budget reconciliation process. There was a widespread expectation that Republican control of both the House and Senate would enable Trump to advance his fiscal agenda smoothly. However, this assumption is being challenged by the current disagreements within the party.
Representative Clay Higgins, a member of the House Freedom Caucus, expressed his frustrations in a video posted on X, stating that negotiations over the budget were not progressing as expected. He criticized some of his colleagues for backing away from promises to rein in spending, emphasizing that some Republicans remain committed to delivering on those promises. “It’s a fight, but I’m in it,” Higgins said.
The GOP is split on how best to advance Trump’s agenda through the budget process. Some argue for a single, large bill that encapsulates as much of Trump’s policy goals as possible, while others favor a more gradual, phased approach with separate bills that allow for smaller, more achievable victories. The House Freedom Caucus is pushing for a two-bill strategy. Their “phase one” bill would allocate $200 billion for border security and defense while setting the stage for a second bill in the coming year to extend Trump’s tax cuts, which are set to expire at the end of 2025.
In contrast, Speaker Johnson and Majority Leader Steve Scalise have proposed a plan that includes $1 trillion in spending cuts, a step up from earlier proposals. Johnson’s plan would limit deficit spending to under $4.7 trillion and would likely be included in a comprehensive reconciliation bill covering border security, defense spending, and energy. However, members of the House Freedom Caucus argue that this approach doesn’t go far enough to support Trump’s agenda, pushing for more aggressive cuts and a higher debt ceiling increase.
Despite these internal disagreements, President Trump has expressed his preference for a “big, beautiful bill” that combines his key priorities, including border security, tax cuts, and energy policies. However, Trump has also indicated that he’s flexible about whether this should be done in one large bill or through separate legislation, as long as the end result aligns with his objectives.
As the deadline to avoid a government shutdown approaches, the Republican leadership faces the challenge of finding a compromise that can unite the party’s factions and win enough support to pass the budget. The outcome of these negotiations is critical not only for the future of the party but also for fulfilling the promises made to voters who are eager for real fiscal reform. With narrow majorities in both the House and Senate, Speaker Johnson must strike a delicate balance to keep his party united and ensure the passage of a budget that aligns with the broader goals of the Republican agenda.