DORAL, FLORIDA — President Donald Trump told House Republicans exactly what he wanted Monday night. Now they get to do the fun part: figure out how to pay for it.
Speaker Mike Johnson has said he wants a “blueprint” this week on his party’s budget reconciliation bill, which will deal with the border, taxes, energy and funding cuts. This has been notoriously difficult so far, and Republicans have continued to hope that Trump would provide more guidance to smooth the path forward.
Instead, Trump used Monday evening remarks to House Republicans to detail an expensive legislative wishlist for the party-line bill, including increased border security spending and saying there should be no cuts to Medicare or Social Security — two of the government’s biggest cost drivers. Most notably, Trump reiterated an especially costly campaign promise: no taxes on tips, overtime or social security.
House Republicans, who have been reluctant to publicly break with Trump since he was elected, made it clear they had concerns as they left the dinner.
Rep. Don Bacon (R-Neb.) said that there might have to be a cap on those tax proposals, while Appropriations Chair Tom Cole (R-Okla.) noted that some funding cuts would have to come out of mandatory spending (the bucket that includes Social Security and Medicare), because it couldn’t be done in discretionary spending: “It’s going to take some heavy lifting.”
The big heave starts today: House GOP leaders and committee chairs will present their plans for reconciliation priorities and spending cuts to Republicans at retreat sessions through the day.
Here’s what else we’re watching:
- Dems’ ICC dilemma: Senate Republicans are teeing up a vote Tuesday to advance a bill that would sanction the International Criminal Court, meaning Minority Leader Chuck Schumer will again have to navigate a tough vote for his caucus. Democrats, led by New Hampshire Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, are still trying to negotiate changes. No sign yet if Republicans will play ball.
- Never-ending nominees: Thune is quickly going through Trump’s nominees. The Senate will vote to confirm Sean Duffy as Transportation secretary Tuesday. The Senate will continue to consider nominations for the rest of the week; up next are Lee Zeldin for EPA administrator, Doug Burgum for Interior secretary, Chris Wright for Energy secretary and Doug Collins for VA secretary.
- Vance appearance: The vice president will address the House GOP in Doral at a lunch at 12:30 p.m.
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