President Donald Trump‘s sweeping legislative package, dubbed the “One Big, Beautiful Bill,” advanced through the House Budget Committee late Sunday night with a narrow 17-16 vote. This development followed intense negotiations that addressed concerns from fiscally conservative Republicans who had previously opposed the bill.
The bill aims to extend the 2017 tax cuts, eliminate taxes on tips and overtime wages, and introduce new tax deductions for seniors. It also proposes significant increases in defense and border security spending. To offset these measures, the bill includes cuts to Medicaid, food assistance programs, and green energy subsidies.
A notable provision is the introduction of “$1,000 MAGA accounts” for each newborn, intended to promote family growth and economic stability.
The bill’s passage through the committee was facilitated by four conservative Republicans who shifted their stance to vote “present,” allowing the measure to advance. Speaker Mike Johnson indicated that minor modifications were made over the weekend to address concerns, particularly regarding Medicaid work requirements and the reduction of green energy subsidies.
Despite this progress, the bill faces challenges ahead. Moderate Republicans have expressed reservations about the proposed cuts to social programs and the projected addition of $3.3 trillion to the national debt over the next decade.
The legislation now moves to the House Rules Committee, with a full House vote anticipated later this week. Republican leaders aim to pass the bill before the Memorial Day deadline, utilizing the budget reconciliation process to facilitate its advancement in the Senate without requiring a 60-vote threshold.
