House Passes Budget Framework Supporting Trump’s Priorities
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. House of Representatives approved a budget resolution Thursday that sets the stage for implementing President Donald Trump’s policy agenda, overcoming last-minute resistance from fiscal conservatives in the Republican Party.
Budget Plan Passes with Narrow Margin
The resolution passed by a vote of 216 to 214, with two Republicans — Reps. Thomas Massie (R-KY) and Victoria Spartz (R-IN) — joining all House Democrats in opposition. The measure outlines a path forward for potential $1.5 trillion in federal spending reductions while advancing Trump’s proposed initiatives on defense, energy, border security, and tax policy.
Conservatives Drop Opposition Following Senate Assurances
A group of about a dozen conservative Republicans who initially withheld support for the plan changed course after receiving commitments that the Senate would align with the House’s goal of identifying at least $1.5 trillion in savings.
“Our two chambers are directly aligned,” said House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) prior to the vote. “We’re committed to finding at least $1.5 trillion in savings for the American people while also preserving essential programs.”
Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) affirmed the alignment, stating that many senators view $1.5 trillion as a minimum target for spending reductions.
Trump Presses Lawmakers to Advance Agenda
President Trump actively urged House Republicans to support the budget plan, encouraging them to prioritize party unity and legislative progress.
“Close your eyes and get there,” Trump reportedly told lawmakers during a recent GOP campaign dinner, emphasizing that while not every demand could be met, the bill marked significant forward movement on Republican priorities.
Reconciliation Process Now in Motion
Passage of the budget resolution enables Republicans to use the reconciliation process in the Senate, allowing legislation to proceed with a simple majority rather than the typical 60-vote threshold. This procedural move paves the way for enacting major elements of the Trump administration’s economic and domestic policy goals without Democratic support.
Concerns Remain Over Long-Term Fiscal Impact
Despite the agreement, some Republicans remain skeptical. Rep. Massie called the resolution “a framework for financial collapse,” expressing concern over long-term fiscal responsibility.
Others, like Rep. Eric Burlison (R-MO), initially pushed back against what they perceived as inadequate cuts proposed by the Senate. “We just don’t trust the Senate,” Burlison said, though he ultimately voted in favor after renewed commitments from party leadership.
Democratic Response: Sharp Criticism Over Potential Cuts
House Democrats unanimously opposed the measure, warning that the proposed framework could lead to deep cuts in core social programs, including Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security.
“The budget resolution that passed the House today will set in motion some of the most extreme cuts to health care, nutritional assistance, and the things that matter to everyday Americans in our nation’s nearly 250-year history,” said House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY).
Next Steps
Congress will now enter a two-week recess, during which House and Senate committees are expected to begin collaborating on identifying spending reductions. Further negotiations are anticipated before any final budget package is advanced.
