House Speaker Mike Johnson’s ambitious push for Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” faces a major setback as Republican infighting leads to its rejection in the House Budget Committee just days before the Memorial Day deadline.

At a Glance

• The 1,100-page “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” was defeated in the House Budget Committee by a 16-21 vote, with both hard-right Republicans and all Democrats voting against it
• The bill aims to make Trump’s 2017 tax cuts permanent by 2026, provide tax relief for seniors, and increase funding for border security
• Freedom Caucus members demand deeper cuts to Medicaid and faster implementation of work requirements for aid recipients
• Trump has urged Republicans to unite behind the bill, criticizing “grandstanders” for the delay
• Speaker Johnson remains optimistic about passing the bill despite significant hurdles within his own party

Republican Divide Derails Trump’s Budget Plan

In a significant blow to House Speaker Mike Johnson’s legislative agenda, the Republican-led House Budget Committee voted 16-21 against advancing President Donald Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill Act.” The defeat came at the hands of both conservative hard-liners from the Freedom Caucus and a unified Democratic opposition.

Representatives Chip Roy of Texas, Ralph Norman, Andrew Clyde, and Josh Brecheen joined with Democrats to block the massive 1,100-page legislation, with Lloyd Smucker changing his vote to “no” for procedural reasons. The rejection marks a substantial setback for Republican leadership, who had set an aggressive Memorial Day deadline for passage.

The comprehensive bill sought to deliver on key conservative priorities, including making permanent Trump’s 2017 tax cuts that are set to expire in 2026, eliminating taxes on overtime and tips, providing new tax relief for seniors, and boosting border security funding. Speaker Johnson has emphasized the bill’s importance, describing it as representing “historic savings” and “the largest spending reduction that Congress has undertaken in decades.” Despite the setback, Johnson maintains that Republicans are “on track, working around the clock to deliver this nation-shaping legislation.”

🇺🇸Republicans' 'Big, Beautiful Bill' Fails in House Budget Committee

❗️Washington, D.C. – On Friday, President Donald Trump’s much-touted “Big, Beautiful Bill” suffered a stunning defeat in the House Budget Committee, with a 16-21 vote, as five far-right Republicans joined… pic.twitter.com/9Ibp7V8c0E

— Real Global News (@FelastoryMedia) May 16, 2025

Freedom Caucus Demands Deeper Cuts

The primary obstacle for the bill’s passage comes from within the Republican Party itself. Hard-right Freedom Caucus members are demanding deeper cuts to Medicaid and faster implementation of new work requirements for government aid recipients. Representative Chip Roy, a prominent Freedom Caucus member, was particularly vocal in his opposition to the current version of the legislation, highlighting concerns about its fiscal impact. Roy has stated that the bill falls short of its claims regarding deficit reduction.

“I am a no on this bill unless serious reforms are made today, tomorrow, Sunday. We’re having conversations as we speak, but something needs to change, or you’re not going to get my support.”, said Rep. Chip Roy, R-Texas

Roy further criticized the bill’s handling of the deficit, stating bluntly that it “falls profoundly short” and “does not do what we say it does.” He argued that deficits would increase in the first half of the 10-year budget window, contrary to Republican claims. This internal opposition highlights the difficult balancing act facing Speaker Johnson, who must navigate between the demands of the party’s right flank and more moderate members, particularly those from high-tax states who want increased state and local tax (SALT) deductions.

The only thing that should be cut from Medicaid should be waste, fraud, and abuse. That will be my only statement on this matter. 🧐https://t.co/PfuNYKYs6d

— 𝐉𝐎𝐇𝐍 𝐖𝐈𝐂𝐊 𝕏ʰⁱᵗᵐᵃⁿ 🔫 (@imUrB00gieman) May 16, 2025

Trump Urges GOP Unity as Democrats Stand Unified

Former President Trump has weighed in on the legislative battle, urging Republicans to “stop talking and get it done.” On social media, Trump criticized Republican “grandstanders” who are holding up the process, calling for party unity to pass the bill. However, his intervention has not yet bridged the gaps between various Republican factions. The narrow GOP majority in the House means that even a small number of defections can derail legislation, giving considerable leverage to both the Freedom Caucus and moderate Republicans.

“It’s very important for people to understand why we’re being so aggressive on the timetable and why this really is so important… This is a big thing. We cannot fail, and we’ll get it done for the American people.”, Mike Johnson said

Meanwhile, Democrats have maintained a unified front against the bill. All Democratic members of the Budget Committee voted against the legislation, with Ranking Member Brendan Boyle criticizing the proposal for its cuts to social programs. Democrats have consistently opposed the bill’s approach to Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), arguing that stricter work requirements would harm vulnerable Americans. This complete opposition from Democrats means Johnson must find nearly unanimous support within his own caucus to advance the legislation.

Path Forward Remains Uncertain

Despite the committee setback, Republican leaders are not abandoning the bill. Budget Committee Chairman Jodey Arrington adjourned the hearing after the failed vote with plans to reconvene over the weekend. The Freedom Caucus has expressed willingness to work through the weekend to reach a deal, suggesting that negotiations could yet produce a compromise. Arrington defended his decision to force a vote, saying, “You never know until you call the question where people stand, which is the reason I called for a vote.”

Speaker Johnson’s original Memorial Day deadline for passing the bill now appears unlikely to be met. The internal divisions within the Republican Party, combined with unified Democratic opposition, create a challenging legislative landscape. Johnson must navigate these complexities while maintaining his credibility with both the conservative base and moderate members of his caucus. For now, Republican leaders are continuing negotiations with holdouts, hoping to secure enough support to bring a modified version of the bill to the House floor in the coming days.

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