House Budget Committee Advances Trump’s ‘One Big Beautiful Bill’ Amid GOP Disputes

Tone & Political Bias: Moderately Right-Leaning

Why: The article highlights Republican-led legislative action with limited critique or balance from opposing viewpoints, focusing on intra-party debates and GOP agenda framing.

What Happened

The House Budget Committee narrowly approved President Donald Trump’s wide-ranging tax and immigration proposal on Sunday, May 18, 2025. Known as the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” it passed in a 17–16 vote. The bill, backed by Speaker Mike Johnson and House GOP leadership, forms a centerpiece of the Republican legislative agenda.

While several hardline conservatives on the committee had previously objected, four of them—Reps. Chip Roy (TX), Ralph Norman (SC), Josh Brecheen (OK), and Andrew Clyde (GA)—voted “present” instead of “no,” helping the bill move forward without giving full endorsement.

What’s in the Bill

The proposal includes sweeping economic and border policy changes. It extends Trump-era tax cuts and introduces new tax exemptions on overtime pay, tips, and auto-loan interest. On immigration, it boosts border enforcement funding.

Defense spending would also rise significantly. The package is designed to fit within the budget reconciliation process, which allows it to bypass Senate filibusters and pass with a simple majority.

GOP Infighting

Despite clearing the committee, the bill faces turbulence inside the Republican Party. Fiscal conservatives are pushing for deeper spending cuts, particularly targeting Medicaid and food assistance programs. On the other hand, moderate Republicans are worried about the social and political risks of these reductions.

Speaker Johnson must now bridge this divide. With Republicans holding only a narrow majority in the House, Johnson can afford few defections when the bill reaches the floor.

Budget Concerns

Nonpartisan analysts estimate the bill would add at least $2.5 trillion to the national debt over the next decade. To address this, Republicans have proposed cuts to Medicaid, SNAP, and clean energy programs. These tradeoffs have become a central source of disagreement, even within GOP ranks.

What’s Next?

The bill will now go to the House Rules Committee before heading to a floor vote, expected before the Memorial Day recess. Johnson and GOP leaders are working behind the scenes to build consensus, knowing any internal split could sink the bill.

This legislative push represents a test of party unity and Speaker Johnson’s leadership as Republicans seek to deliver on campaign promises while navigating ideological divides.