Despite President Trump’s assurances on spending cuts, several Republican House members remain opposed to the GOP budget plan, leaving Speaker Mike Johnson with significant work ahead to secure enough votes for approval.
Trump and Johnson Push for Budget Agreement
On April 8, 2025, Speaker Mike Johnson expressed confidence about moving forward with a GOP budget plan after meeting with President Donald Trump and a group of Republican holdouts. Despite the progress in addressing concerns, Johnson still faces opposition from several members, with about 10 Republicans threatening to vote against the plan, and many others undecided.
Trump’s Commitment to Spending Cuts
During the meeting, President Trump reassured the attendees that he would follow through on significant spending cuts, despite the Senate’s finalized budget proposal not aligning with the House’s target of $1.5 trillion in reductions. Trump had made similar promises to Senate Republicans the previous week, aiming to bridge the trust gap between the two chambers of Congress.
Divisions Among GOP Members
While Trump succeeded in securing Rep. Ron Estes’ support, a key holdout, Rep. Chip Roy, expressed skepticism about the promises made, questioning the feasibility of the proposed spending cuts. Other Republicans, including Rep. Andy Ogles and Rep. Tim Burchett, also expressed concerns, emphasizing the need for a concrete plan before they would commit their support to the budget.
Next Steps for Speaker Johnson
Speaker Johnson faces a critical decision on whether to bring the budget plan before the House Rules Committee for preparation ahead of a potential floor vote. A key committee member, Rep. Ralph Norman, remains undecided, and Johnson will seek further support later in the day at an NRCC gala dinner, where Trump is expected to focus on a different group of holdouts.
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