House passes framework for big tax and spending cuts
Democrats opposed the GOP's plan for $4.5 trillion in tax cuts and $2 trillion in spending cuts, citing the impacts it will have on social programs


What happened
The House Tuesday night passed a budget framework designed to cut $1.5 trillion to $2 trillion in spending and allow up to $4.5 trillion in tax cuts over the next 10 years, plus raise the debt ceiling by $4 trillion. One Republican, Rep. Thomas Massie (Ky.), joined all Democrats in opposing the bill, which passed 217-215.
Who said what
The narrow approval of the budget blueprint, after a "night of drama and arm-twisting" by House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) and President Donald Trump, was a "sign that the Republican-controlled Congress might be able to deliver major legislation despite slim majorities in the House and Senate," The Wall Street Journal said. But it "teed up a bitter fight within the GOP over which federal programs to slash to partially finance a huge tax cut that would provide its biggest benefits to rich Americans," The New York Times said.
More moderate House Republicans fretted that the parameters of the bill "will force the GOP to slash Medicaid benefits, a political third rail in toss-up districts," while fiscal "hard-liners say budget cuts don't go far enough," The Washington Post said. "It's insane," Massie said. "We’re going to increase the deficit with this. Why would I vote for that?"
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
"Even as they press ahead, Republicans are running into a familiar problem: Slashing federal spending" on things like health care, food stamps and student loans is broadly unpopular and would be "harmful to their constituents back home," The Associated Press said. The budget fight was also "unfolding amid emerging backlash" to Elon Musk's DOGE Service "tearing through federal agencies" and firing thousands of workers, prompting "angry voters" to "confront lawmakers at town hall meetings."
What next?
Republicans still face a "long and cumbersome" process before they can cut taxes and spending, the AP said. Senate Republicans plan to enact Trump's agenda in two filibuster-proof bills, "under the assumption that House Republicans would falter," the Post said. Johnson views the Senate's "two-step approach" as a "backup plan."
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Peter has worked as a news and culture writer and editor at The Week since the site's launch in 2008. He covers politics, world affairs, religion and cultural currents. His journalism career began as a copy editor at a financial newswire and has included editorial positions at The New York Times Magazine, Facts on File, and Oregon State University.
-
Law: The battle over birthright citizenship
Feature Trump shifts his focus to nationwide injunctions after federal judges block his attempt to end birthright citizenship
-
The threat to the NIH
Feature The Trump administration plans drastic cuts to medical research. What are the ramifications?
-
Courts try to check administration on deportations
Feature The Supreme Court will allow the Trump administration to end protected status for Venezuelans, but blocks deportations under the Alien Enemies Act
-
House GOP pushes ahead on deficit-boosting tax bill
Feature Republicans push a bill that will lock in Trump's tax cuts, cut Medicaid and add trillions to the national debt
-
'Gen Z has been priced out of a future, so we invest in the present'
instant opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
-
Trump pardons Virginia sheriff convicted of bribery
speed read Former sheriff Scott Jenkins was sentenced to 10 years in prison on federal bribery and fraud charges
-
Germany lifts Kyiv missile limits as Trump, Putin spar
speed read Russia's biggest drone and missile attacks of the war prompted Trump to post that Putin 'has gone absolutely CRAZY!'
-
Donald Trump's foreign policy flip in the Middle East
Talking Point Surprise lifting of sanctions on Syria shows Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Qatar are now effectively 'dictating US foreign policy'