Tensions are soaring within the Republican Party over a new GOP budget that could add up to $5.8 trillion to the national deficit and push the national debt to 214% of the country’s GDP by 2054.
The budget is stirring frustration, especially among Republicans who have long pushed for reducing the deficit, especially when Democrats are in power. Some GOP members are struggling with the reality of supporting a budget that resembles the deficit increases seen during Donald Trump’s presidency.
On Tuesday, House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) faced a heated closed-door meeting with GOP lawmakers, many of whom are pushing him to reconcile the House and Senate Republican budgets. However, Johnson is reportedly against this, wanting to fast-track the budget through the Senate’s “reconciliation” process, which allows budget-related bills to pass with just a 51-vote majority.
The budget includes unpopular provisions like halting funding for public services, reducing investments, and politically charging civil service divisions. It also proposes hefty tariffs, which the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities warns could cost low- and moderate-income families hundreds or even thousands of dollars, more than any modest tax cuts might offset.
The debate over the budget is adding to internal GOP conflict, which also includes disagreements over a petition to allow new mothers to vote by proxy. In one intense moment, Rep. W. Gregory Steube (R-Fla.) blasted Speaker Johnson as a liar and shouted, “I rebuke you in the name of Jesus!” according to multiple sources cited by NOTUS.
This infighting threatens to cost Johnson crucial votes. He can only afford to lose four votes if he hopes to pass the budget with unified Democratic opposition. Both he and Trump are eager to avoid more GOP defections.
Johnson is reportedly urging Republican members to stay in Washington until the budget is passed, even if it delays their two-week recess starting Friday.
