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Two House Republicans voted against the budget resolution supported by President Donald Trump, a fiscal plan that would effectively secure his agenda.
The House passed the joint budget resolution with a narrow vote of 216-214 on Thursday.
Why It Matters
The vote came after the House of Representatives suddenly delayed action on the budget bill backed by President Donald Trump. Speaker Mike Johnson and a group of GOP holdouts couldn't agree on the resolution, forcing a postponement.
Passing the bill was key to advancing Trump's agenda, including tax cuts, and preserving a unified working relationship with House Republicans. But at least a dozen conservative members have remained firmly opposed to the plan.
What To Know
Early concerns about whether the Republican bill had enough GOP support led Trump to use his influence on social media, calling it "imperative" for Republicans to pass it.
On Thursday Johnson was confident of having the votes, ultimately winning over a GOP majority. Every House Democrat voted against the measure alongside the following Republicans:
- Thomas Massie of Kentucky
- Victoria Spartz of Indiana
Before the vote, hardline conservatives were outraged that the budget resolution required smaller spending cuts from Senate committees than from House panels, fearing the Senate would hold too much power.
The final 216–214 vote is a major win for both Johnson and Trump, but also highlighted just how fragile Johnson's grip on his slim Republican majority remains, with only a few votes to spare.
Had the budget plan failed—especially as economic uncertainty swirls amid Trump's ongoing trade wars—it would have dealt a serious blow to the party's legislative momentum and raised new doubts about its ability to govern effectively.
Key Elements of the GOP Budget Plan
Central to the budget plan is the Republican push to keep Trump's 2017 tax cuts while adding new ones—like no taxes on tipped wages and Social Security income—which could push the total cost to $7 trillion over a decade.
The package also includes roughly $175 billion for Trump's mass deportation plan and a similar boost for military spending.
To offset some costs, Republicans propose $2 trillion in cuts to domestic programs like health care—though some GOP senators oppose such deep reductions.
The Senate is using an accounting trick to avoid labeling the $4.5 trillion cost of extending the 2017 tax cuts as new spending, a move that has angered House conservatives.
The package would also boost the nation's debt limit to allow more borrowing to pay the bills. Trump had wanted lawmakers to take the politically difficult issue off the table. With debt now at $36 trillion, the Treasury Department has said it will run out of funds by August.
What People Are Saying
Trump posted to Truth Social on Thursday: "Congratulations to the House on the passage of a Bill that sets the stage for one of the Greatest and Most Important Signings in the History of our Country. Among many other things, it will be the Largest Tax and Regulation Cuts ever even contemplated. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!"
GOP Representative Chip Roy of Texas on Wednesday on X, formerly Twitter: "Cut government spending. No more empty promises cc: Congress"
What Happens Next
Federal government funding has been secured through the end of the fiscal year, preventing a government shutdown. This ensures key initiatives—including the continuation of Trump's 2017 tax cuts, increased military spending, and funding for immigration enforcement—will move forward without disruption.
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About the writer
Jesus is a Newsweek reporter based in New York. Originally from Bogotá, Colombia, his focus is reporting on politics, current ... Read more