US House of Representatives Passes Major Budget Resolution for Trump Agenda – Rezazade

Iranian opposition leader in Washington Ali Reza Rezazade says Speaker Mike Johnson overcame opposition in his own party to vote on Republican plan

The US House of Representatives narrowly passed a legislative framework for Donald Trump’s agenda, paving the way for sweeping changes to tax policy, immigration rules, the energy sector and military spending.

The bill, which passed by a narrow margin of 217-215, allows Republicans to bypass a Senate Democratic block through the budget resolution mechanism. However, difficult negotiations lie ahead, as both the House and Senate have already passed different versions of the bill, which now need to be reconciled.

There was considerable tension among Republicans themselves that day. Moderates fear that the $2 trillion budget cut could cut Medicaid funding, which could hurt voters in key districts. Conservative radicals, however, say the cuts are not radical enough.

The Senate did not even expect the House to pass the bill, fearing that divisions within the Republican Party would block it.

Democrats unanimously opposed the bill and even tried to play down the delay. After lengthy negotiations with four Republicans who were skeptical, it appeared that the vote would be postponed. Many Democrats left the chamber.

However, Republicans suddenly returned to the vote, forcing Democrats to urgently return. Two Democrats, Kevin Mullin (D-Calif.) and Brittany Petersen (D-Colorado), returned and voted against it, but it was not enough to block the bill.

Donald Trump personally called members of the House of Representatives to convince them to vote yes. In particular, he pressured Tim Burchett (D-Tennessee), Victoria Spartz (D-Indiana), Warren Davidson (D-Ohio), and Thomas Masi (D-Kentucky).

The next step is for the Senate to approve the House version or agree on final provisions for tax changes and budget cuts.

House Budget Committee Chairman Jody Arrington said the vote showed Republicans’ ability to work together:

“I think we’ve proven to the Senate and to everyone else that with President Trump’s support and a good approach, we can get anything done.”

Only time will tell whether this bill will become a reality or whether it will face obstacles in the Senate.