President Donald Trump met with House Republican leaders and members of the conservative Freedom Caucus on May 21, 2025, to advance the “One Big, Beautiful Bill,” a comprehensive legislative package encompassing tax reforms, defense spending, and border security enhancements. The meeting aimed to resolve internal GOP disagreements threatening the bill’s passage.
The proposed legislation seeks to extend the 2017 tax cuts, eliminate taxes on tips and overtime pay, and increase the child tax credit. It also proposes significant investments in defense and border security, including a $150 billion boost to the Pentagon’s budget and $70 billion allocated for border infrastructure and personnel.
A major point of contention is the state and local tax (SALT) deduction cap. While GOP lawmakers from high-tax states advocate raising the cap from $10,000 to $40,000, fiscal conservatives argue that such a move disproportionately benefits wealthier individuals in blue states. Representative John Rose (R-TN) criticized the proposed increase, stating it would serve as a bailout for Democrat-led states at the expense of fiscally responsible red states.
The bill also includes reforms to Medicaid, introducing work requirements for recipients and prohibiting the use of funds for gender-affirming care and abortion services. These provisions have garnered support from conservative members but face opposition from moderates concerned about potential impacts on vulnerable populations.
Despite internal divisions, House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) expressed confidence in moving forward with the bill, emphasizing its alignment with the “Make America Great Again” agenda. The House Rules Committee is expected to introduce a manager’s amendment to address outstanding concerns, with a floor vote anticipated in the coming days.
