Here’s what one Republican had to say.
Washington, D.C. – President Donald Trump’s landmark tax reform and spending bill—the centerpiece of his second-term domestic agenda—narrowly advanced through the House Budget Committee in a late-night Sunday vote. But strong voices within the Republican Party are warning it’s not ready for prime time.
The House Budget Committee voted 17-16 to move the bill forward. However, four conservative Republicans, including Rep. Chip Roy (R-TX), voted “present” to signal their dissatisfaction while keeping the bill alive.
Conservatives Sound the Alarm: “It Doesn’t Go Far Enough”
The legislation—hailed by President Trump as his “one big, beautiful bill”—includes historic Trump tax cuts, major investments in border security, and long-overdue federal spending reforms.
But Rep. Roy says the bill still falls short.
“This bill leaves nearly half the Green New Deal subsidies untouched,” Roy said in a post on X. “It fails to shut down the Medicaid money-laundering scam that rewards states for expanding benefits to able-bodied adults instead of the truly vulnerable.”
He added, “It raises the risk of ballooning deficits and sets the stage for even red states like Texas to fall into the welfare expansion trap.”
Medicaid Reform and Work Requirements a Key Flashpoint
One sticking point for conservatives is the timeline for Medicaid work requirements. Under the current version, they wouldn’t begin until 2029.
Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) supports accelerating the rollout but says some states may need time to update their systems.
“We want to see work requirements go into effect as soon as possible,” Johnson told reporters. “But we’re working with states to make sure implementation is smooth and enforceable.”
Trump Rallies Support: “MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!”
President Trump remains enthusiastic. After the committee vote, he praised the GOP on Truth Social:
“CONGRATULATIONS REPUBLICANS!!! MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!!!”
The bill includes provisions for extending the 2017 Trump tax cuts, funding a major border wall expansion, and increasing deportations of illegal immigrants—popular moves with Trump’s base and many older, patriotic Americans.
Democrats Cry Foul as GOP Pushes Forward
Not surprisingly, Democrats are fighting the bill. Rep. Jim Clyburn (D-SC) called the plan “terrible” and claimed it hurts working families. But Republicans argue the opposite: that it rewards work, secures the border, and restores common-sense budgeting.
Race Against the Clock: Memorial Day Deadline Looms
With only a three-vote majority in the House, Speaker Johnson faces a tight timeline. The GOP aims to finalize and pass the bill before Memorial Day.
Roy and other fiscal conservatives say they want to support the package—but only if the final version truly reflects Republican values: limited government, lower taxes, and secure borders.