United States — U.S. President Donald Trump is intensifying efforts to rally Republican lawmakers behind his flagship budget bill, a sweeping legislative package that includes substantial tax cuts and changes to healthcare. With a full House vote expected this week, intra-party disagreements threaten to derail his ambitious economic plan.
Trump personally visited Capitol Hill on Tuesday, leaving the White House for a rare in-person meeting with House Republicans. There, he made a direct appeal to unify the party behind what he dubbed a “big, beautiful” bill—a centrepiece of his second-term agenda.
At the heart of the legislation lies approximately $4.9 trillion in tax breaks and proposed reforms, including a controversial expansion of state and local tax (SALT) deductions. While the measure would triple the SALT cap from $10,000 to $30,000 for married couples, Republicans from high-tax states such as New York, California, and New Jersey argue that the relief is still insufficient for middle-income earners in their districts.
Congressman Mike Lawler of New York expressed clear opposition, stating, “While I respect the president, I’m not budging on it.” Similar sentiments were echoed by at least half a dozen House members, whose resistance could imperil the bill in a chamber where Republicans hold only a slim majority.
Another major sticking point involves proposed cuts to Medicaid, the healthcare program that provides assistance to low-income Americans. The bill would introduce stricter work requirements for eligibility, a change set to take effect in 2029. Some Republicans support the move as a step toward fiscal responsibility, while others worry it may go too far in reducing access to essential health services.
Despite growing resistance, some lawmakers left Tuesday’s meeting with renewed confidence. Congressman Jodey Arrington, chair of the budget committee, praised Trump’s message as one of unity and discipline: “His push to unify, keep the focus on reducing spending, on rooting out waste and reminding us what’s at stake was exactly the right message.”
Others remained unconvinced. Representative Andy Harris, a member of the conservative House Freedom Caucus, criticised the bill’s current form, calling for even deeper cuts to government spending.
The legislative journey has already encountered hurdles. Last week, the bill failed a procedural vote, marking an early setback for Trump. However, it passed through committee in a narrow 17–16 vote over the weekend, allowing it to proceed to a full House vote.
House Speaker Mike Johnson aims to pass the bill by Memorial Day on 26 May. Whether Trump can rally enough Republicans to secure passage remains uncertain, but the outcome will be a crucial indicator of his influence over a divided party in the second term of his presidency.
