Dramatic Tensions Among Democrats Stall Budget Bill in the House; President Trump Urges Escape from Biden’s "Mess"

Dramatic Tensions Among Democrats Stall Budget Bill in the House; President Trump Urges Escape from Biden’s "Mess"

On Friday, the failure of President Donald Trump’s “Big, Beautiful Bill” to pass in the House Budget Committee dealt a major blow to House Republican leaders, who had planned a full House vote next week.

Republican Representatives Chip Roy of Texas, Josh Brecheen of Oklahoma, Andrew Clyde of Georgia, and Ralph Norman of South Carolina voted against the bill.

Pennsylvania’s Lloyd Smucker initially voted "yes" but later strategically changed his vote to "no," allowing him to reintroduce the bill later. He told reporters he remained "very confident" about the bill’s success.

“Republicans must unite behind the ‘Big, Beautiful Bill!’ It won’t just lower taxes for all Americans, but will also remove millions of illegal immigrants from Medicaid so it can be preserved for those truly in need. Without this legislation, the country will be severely damaged, and taxes could rise up to 65%. The blame will fall on Democrats, but that won’t help our voters.

We don’t need any ‘drama queens’ in our Republican Party. Stop talking and get the job done! Now is the time to clean up the mess created by Biden and the Democrats,” Trump said.

The bill reflects a coordinated policy initiative by 11 House committees. It highlights Trump’s priorities on border security, immigration, taxes, energy, defense, and raising the debt ceiling.

However, tensions were evident from the start of the session. Some Republicans had already indicated their opposition to the bill. Chip Roy, Ralph Norman, Andrew Clyde, and Josh Brecheen abruptly left the room, only to return later and criticize the bill.

Their main objections were over provisions delaying Medicaid reform until 2029 and the slow removal of green energy subsidies from Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act.

Chip Roy said, “Only in Washington do we sit around hoping things will be fixed five years from now. We must change the direction of this city.”

Ralph Norman remarked, “Nothing good will come from a vote now,” and called for the committee to be adjourned.

Meanwhile, House Majority Leader Steve Scalise said he had spoken with dissenters and was working toward resolving the issues.

Chip Roy later posted on X (formerly Twitter), “We were making progress, but the vote was called and the issues remained unresolved, so I voted ‘no.’ I’ll be staying in Washington over the weekend to work toward the bill’s success.” He added, “Medicaid work requirements should start now—not in 2029—and the Green New Scam must be completely eliminated, as President Trump has said.”

Earlier, Trump had called on Republicans via Truth Social to unite behind the bill, saying those opposing it were “creating drama.” However, his message had little effect on the rebels. At the time, Trump was returning from a tour of the Middle East.

House Republicans are seeking to pass the bill through the budget reconciliation process, which allows them to bypass the 60-vote requirement in the Senate and pass it with a simple majority of 51 votes, provided the bill is related to spending, taxes, or the national debt.

Speaker Mike Johnson expressed hope that the bill would pass the House by Memorial Day and reach Trump’s desk by the Fourth of July.

However, differences between House and Senate Republicans mean that coordination between both chambers will be necessary. Members of the House Freedom Caucus, who oppose the bill, have pledged to remain in Washington over the weekend to continue working on it.