Republican Budget Bill Falters Despite Donald Trump Pressure

Facing pressure from President Donald Trump, House Republicans failed to pass their sweeping tax and spending package Friday morning.

First reported by Politico, the vote was initially thought to be postponed amid continued resistance from fiscal conservatives on the House Budget Committee, who have demanded tougher policy concessions before agreeing to move the bill forward.

However, Representatives on the committee voted 16-21, forcing leaders to look to make changes before another vote can take place. Later Friday, the House Budget Committee said it is reconvening Sunday at 10 p.m. for another vote to advance the reconciliation package to the floor.

The president posted on Truth Social Friday morning, "Republicans MUST UNITE behind, "THE ONE, BIG BEAUTIFUL BILL!" Not only does it cut Taxes for ALL Americans, but it will kick millions of Illegal Aliens off Medicaid to PROTECT it for those who are the ones in real need. The Country will suffer greatly without this Legislation, with their Taxes going up 65%. It will be blamed on the Democrats, but that doesn't help our Voters. We don't need "GRANDSTANDERS" in the Republican Party. STOP TALKING, AND GET IT DONE! It is time to fix the MESS that Biden and the Democrats gave us. Thank you for your attention to this matter!"

Why It Matters

The GOP's so-called "big, beautiful bill" is designed to help implement Trump's policies, including tax cuts, immigration enforcement, and changes to Medicaid, but the plan requires a united front when Republicans hold slim majorities in both the House and the Senate.

What To Know

Texas Representative Chip Roy said at the House Budget Committee Friday that the bill fell short of what he expected and needed "serious reforms" in order to gain his support. He was among a group of Republicans who declined to vote in favor of the plan.

Roy's comments contrasted with those of fellow Texan and committee chair Jodey Arrington, who said the reconciliation bill was "the most consequential piece of legislation in modern history" and would advance the "America First agenda."

While Democrats have made their concerns around the budget clear, the division within the president's own party echoes events of his first term in the White House, where Republicans clashed over how policies could, or should, be enacted.

Roy did admonish his Democratic colleagues, saying they had lied about the budget's effects and that Republicans were having to undo the damage caused by the Biden administration.

Across Congress, Republicans wary of approving the proposals either feel plans do not go far enough, especially when it comes to tax cuts and limiting benefits for illegal immigrants, while others fear they are in danger of damaging the party's image.

Other committee hearings on budget elements have seen heckling and protester disruption, and representatives have also clashed with cabinet members over proposals.

What People Are Saying

Representative Chip Roy, during Friday's hearing: "We are writing checks we cannot cash, and our children are going to pay the price...I am a no on this bill unless serious reforms are made today, tomorrow, Sunday...something needs to change, or you're not going to get my support."

Democratic Virginia Representative Bobby Scott, speaking at Friday's hearing: "It's hard to take my colleagues on the other side of the aisle seriously, when they come here and give speech after speech after speech complaining about the deficit and then support this reconciliation plan that increases the deficit."

House Budget Committee Chair Jodey Arrington, in his opening remarks Friday: "Today, we stand on the precipice of a generational opportunity to make an unprecedented investment in the safety and security of the American people by equipping our Border Patrol agents and our sons and daughters in the armed services with the tools and resources to safely and successfully do the first and most important job of the federal government: to provide for the common defense.

"But we also have an urgent responsibility to put in place the policies that will unleash economic growth and future prosperity—reining in wasteful spending and begin restoring the fiscal health of our nation, which has been in rapid decline over the last couple of decades."

What Happens Next

GOP leaders are now reportedly headed for talks with the White House over making changes that could get the bill passed.

Trump will need Republicans united to push the bill out of the Budget Committee and to get it passed in the House.

Update 5/16/25, 12:37 p.m. ET: This article was updated with additional information.

Update 5/16/25, 2:30 p.m. ET: This article was updated with additional information.