House Speaker Mike Johnson is pushing for passage of a massive budget bill before Memorial Day, setting a tight deadline for lawmakers. The bill, described as “historic” by Johnson, faced a setback on Friday when it failed to pass the House Budget Committee. A revote is scheduled for Sunday night, with Johnson expressing confidence it will proceed to the House floor by the end of the week.
Despite the initial defeat, Johnson remains optimistic. He appeared on “Fox News Sunday” to emphasize the importance of meeting the Memorial Day deadline. He cited ongoing negotiations and collaboration with the Senate to ensure a smooth transition and timely approval. The bill’s passage is crucial, according to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, who has set a second, more distant deadline of July 4th.
The failed committee vote highlighted divisions within the Republican party. Five Republicans joined Democrats in opposing the multi-trillion dollar legislation. Representatives Ralph Norman and Chip Roy voiced concerns about Medicaid requirements and overall spending levels, characterizing the bill as fiscally irresponsible. Norman took to X (formerly Twitter) to express his disapproval of delaying work requirements for able-bodied adults receiving Medicaid. Roy echoed similar sentiments, warning about the long-term financial implications for future generations.
Speaker Johnson acknowledged the concerns raised by Norman and Roy, but attributed potential delays in implementing new eligibility requirements to challenges states face in updating their systems. He also addressed concerns about Senate resistance, stating that he’s been coordinating with Senate Majority Leader John Thune to ensure a swift and collaborative process. Johnson expressed hope that the Senate won’t significantly alter the bill once it’s passed by the House. The coming week will be critical as lawmakers race against time to meet the Memorial Day deadline and avoid a potential government shutdown. The outcome of the upcoming votes will shape the future of American fiscal policy for years to come.
