House passes GOP budget with tax cuts, spending cuts

In a narrow 217-215 vote, the U.S. House of Representatives on Tuesday approved a Republican budget resolution, marking a crucial step in advancing President Donald Trump’s legislative agenda.

The plan, which calls for $4.5 trillion in tax cuts alongside $2 trillion in federal spending reductions over the next decade, faced fierce debate as House Speaker Mike Johnson scrambled to secure the necessary votes.

The resolution, a cornerstone of GOP fiscal policy, also allocates roughly $300 billion for defense and border security while increasing the debt ceiling by $4 trillion. However, concerns over potential cuts to Medicaid and other social programs have drawn sharp criticism from Democrats and some moderate Republicans.

“This budget prioritizes economic growth and national security while ensuring we tackle wasteful government spending,” Johnson said following the vote. But Democratic lawmakers condemned the plan, arguing it would disproportionately harm lower-income Americans. “This is a direct attack on working families,” said Rep. Jim McGovern (D-MA).

Before becoming law, the spending blueprint must go through several legislative hurdles, including reconciliation with a separate Senate budget. Even if both chambers reach an agreement, further negotiations will be needed before Trump’s economic proposals can take effect.