Speaker Mike Johnson informed House Republicans on Saturday that President-elect Donald Trump wants a single comprehensive reconciliation package, departing from the GOP leadership’s earlier two-bill plan. This announcement, made during a closed-door retreat at Fort McNair, signals a significant shift in the GOP’s legislative strategy.
Trump’s Push for a Unified Bill
Johnson relayed Trump’s message to Republican lawmakers, stating that the president-elect favored “one big beautiful bill” to address border security, tax reform, and energy policy. This approach contrasts with Senate Majority Leader John Thune’s proposal to split the agenda into two bills, aiming to secure early wins.
Rep. Jason Smith (R-Mo.), Chair of the House Ways and Means Committee, emerged as a key advocate for the one-bill strategy, arguing that splitting the package could jeopardize its passage. Smith’s position aligns with Trump’s vision and underscores the challenges in unifying Republican tax policy.
Divided GOP Strategy
The push for a single bill is not without controversy. Proponents of the two-bill strategy, including Freedom Caucus Chair Andy Harris (R-Md.) and Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), viewed it as a way to achieve immediate legislative victories, particularly on border security. Harris warned that a single bill could delay GOP progress:
“If that’s what the president wants, he’s going to have to wait until the summer for it all to get ironed out.”
Moreover, the one-bill approach complicates prior agreements on the debt ceiling. House GOP leadership previously planned to address the debt ceiling and spending cuts through separate reconciliation measures, but this shift could disrupt that timeline.
Challenges Ahead for Johnson
Johnson’s majority will soon shrink to 217 members as some Republicans join the Trump administration, making party unity essential. While many lawmakers are deferring to Trump’s strategy, logistical hurdles remain. Passing a sweeping reconciliation package will take months, delaying any major legislative wins for the new administration.
Despite these challenges, GOP lawmakers are signaling their readiness to follow Trump’s lead. As one Republican put it:
“If that’s the Trump call, that’s the play we will execute.”
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