House Speaker Johnson faces challenges with the passage of a budget plan due to divisions within the GOP. Some moderate Republicans are unhappy with proposed spending cuts, including potential impacts on Medicaid, while certain conservatives express concern that voting for the plan may worsen the deficit. Johnson's approach combines significant spending cuts with a considerable debt limit increase, aiming for unity within a fragmented party. While some members have expressed skepticism, leadership remains optimistic about garnering the necessary votes this week for passage.
Johnson says he won't negotiate ahead of a vote, including with moderates who are concerned by Medicaid cuts. "Everybody needs to understand that the resolution is merely the starting point for the process," Johnson said Monday, per Politico.
If the Republican budget passes, the deficit gets worse, not better," Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) posted on X.
There's a couple of folks who just have lingering questions," Johnson told reporters Monday, "but I think all those questions can be answered and we'll be able to move forward."
Some senior Republicans remained optimistic that the current framework - which will also add up to $4.5 trillion in tax breaks if Congress cuts $2 trillion in spending - will eventually find enough votes for passage.
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