9:48 am - February 13, 2025
Speaker Mike Johnson’s Budget Plan Faces Resistance from GOP Hardliners
Speaker Mike Johnson’s budget plan is running into significant trouble as multiple GOP hardliners demand last-minute changes, potentially risking support from the party’s centrist members. This standoff jeopardizes Republican leadership’s efforts to kickstart President Donald Trump’s agenda in Congress. The House GOP’s compromise plan, released just hours ago, has already sparked backlash from fiscal conservatives who are calling for steeper spending cuts beyond the proposed $1.5 trillion over a decade. However, even the current reduction target is proving difficult for some centrist Republicans to accept. For instance, Rep. Don Bacon of Nebraska remains undecided about supporting cuts of this magnitude.
Conservative Pushback and Uncertainty Over Key Votes
The pushback from GOP hardliners is intense, with several members of the House Freedom Caucus expressing dissatisfaction with the proposed cuts. Rep. Andy Ogles of Tennessee, a member of the House Freedom Caucus, stated, “As of right now, the votes are not there,” adding that the current plan “falls short” but acknowledged it as a “work in progress.” Rep. Ralph Norman of South Carolina, who sits on the House Budget Committee, declined to commit to supporting the measure, emphasizing his desire to include policy provisions such as work requirements for Medicaid and the REINS Act, which targets regulatory red tape. Other committee members, including Rep. Chip Roy of Texas and Tom McClintock of California, also withheld their votes, while Rep. Ben Cline of Virginia indicated he is leaning toward supporting the plan.
Leadership’s Confidence and the Road Ahead
Despite the backlash, House Budget Chairman Jodey Arrington of Texas expressed optimism, though the plan’s passage through the key committee vote on Thursday and a floor vote by the end of the month remains uncertain. Some conservatives hinted at making changes during the markup process, but details remain scarce. Rep. Scott Perry of Pennsylvania, a Freedom Caucus member, suggested that improvements could be made during Thursday’s session but declined to elaborate. Rep. Dusty Johnson of South Dakota, who has been part of the negotiations, noted that the “pain points” on both ends of the GOP conference indicate a balanced approach. He expressed confidence that concerns would be addressed and that the plan is well-positioned for success.
The Battle Over Spending Cuts and Medicaid
The budget plan requires Republicans to cut at least $1.5 trillion in mandatory spending, with a goal of $2 trillion. However, many conservatives insist on achieving the higher target, arguing that the additional $500 billion in cuts is necessary. This level of reduction would likely require significant savings from Medicaid, a proposition that has made some centrist Republicans uneasy. Rep. Don Bacon expressed his preference for Speaker Johnson’s earlier, more modest proposal of roughly $1 trillion in cuts, criticizing the “wise guys” in the conference who pushed for deeper reductions. Bacon also noted that President Trump does not want to undermine Medicaid, a sentiment shared by GOP leadership.
Negotiations and the Path Forward
The negotiations over the budget plan have been fraught, with ultraconservatives demanding changes to the earlier proposal outlined by Speaker Johnson. Rep. Eli Crane of Arizona and Rep. Andy Biggs of Arizona have also criticized the plan, with Biggs stating, “I’m still studying it. I bet you can’t tell what the real numbers are any more than I can.” Meanwhile, Rep. Nick LaLota of New York, who met with Johnson, urged caution on Medicaid cuts, emphasizing the need to align with Trump’s priorities. Despite the challenges, Republican allies of leadership remain hopeful that the budget measure will pass, viewing it as a true compromise within the conference.
The Larger Implications for the GOP Agenda
The outcome of this budget battle carries significant implications for the GOP’s legislative agenda and its ability to govern. If the plan fails to pass, it could undermine Speaker Johnson’s leadership and set back the party’s efforts to advance President Trump’s priorities. Conversely, if the measure succeeds, it would demonstrate the GOP’s ability to navigate internal divisions and deliver on its campaign promises. As the vote approaches, all eyes are on whether Republican leaders can bridge the gap between fiscal hawks and centrists, ensuring the plan’s survival. This high-stakes showdown is not just about numbers—it’s about unity, compromise, and the future direction of the Republican Party.