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House Republicans passed President Donald Trump’s budget resolution late Tuesday, sending his “big, beautiful bill” to the Senate.
The bill passed by just two votes, with all Democrats opposing along with Kentucky Republican Rep. Thomas Massie.
“Today, House Republicans moved Congress closer to delivering on President Trump’s full America First agenda — not just parts of it,” House Speaker Mike Johnson said in a statement following the successful vote.
“This momentum will grow as we work with our committee chairs and Senate Republicans to determine the best policies within their respective jurisdictions to meet budgetary targets. We have full confidence in their ability to chart the best path forward.
“While there is still much more to do, we are determined to send a bill to President Trump’s desk that secures our border, keeps taxes low for families and job creators, restores American energy dominance, strengthens America’s standing on the world stage, and makes government work more effectively for all Americans,” he added.
The House resolution proposed increasing spending on border security, the judiciary, and defense by approximately $300 billion while offsetting those costs with at least $1.5 trillion to $2 trillion in spending cuts elsewhere.
The bill allocated $4.5 trillion to extend the provisions of President Donald Trump’s 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which are set to expire at the end of the year.
An amendment brokered by House Budget Committee Chairman Jodey Arrington, R-Texas, and conservatives on his panel would require lawmakers to implement $2 trillion in cuts. Failure to do so would result in a corresponding reduction in the $4.5 trillion designated for Trump’s tax cuts.
The resolution also complied with Trump’s directive on the debt limit, raising it by $4 trillion, covering roughly two years.
Ways and Means Committee Chairman Jason Smith, R-Mo., urged the House and Senate to act swiftly to give small businesses and working families the certainty that their taxes will not increase in just a few months.
“Right now, the average taxpayer will see a 22 percent tax hike if Congress fails to act. The average family of four will see their taxes go up by almost $1,700 – that’s two months’ worth of groceries…These families, farmers, workers, and small businesses need certainty that relief is on the way so they can thrive once again,” he wrote.
“Protecting and building on President Trump’s signature tax cuts will deliver an America First economy to usher in a new golden age of prosperity,” Smith continued.