House Republicans have passed a budget blueprint, a key step towards delivering a major legislative package that includes $4.5 trillion in tax breaks and $2 trillion in spending cuts. With strong backing from former President Donald Trump, the vote narrowly passed 217-215, with all Democrats and one Republican opposing it.
Trump-Modi Meet
The mega MIGA, MAGA plans of India's Modi and US' Trump
Trump says India has more tariffs than others
Trump's 'golden rule' for imposing reciprocal tariffs
House Speaker Mike Johnson faced challenges in securing enough votes due to opposition from both Democrats and some Republicans. Trump played an active role by calling GOP lawmakers and inviting them to the White House to rally support. Majority Leader Steve Scalise acknowledged the difficulties, stating that negotiations continued right until the final vote.
The budget plan aims to extend tax cuts from Trump’s first term while reducing government spending. However, the process remains long, with weeks of committee hearings before finalising the House version. The Senate, controlled by Republicans, has proposed a scaled-back version. Meanwhile, an unrelated debate on preventing a government shutdown looms, as federal funding is set to expire on 14 March.
Democrats have strongly opposed the budget, calling it a “betrayal” and a “Republican rip-off.” The proposed cuts could significantly impact Medicaid, food stamps, and student loans, raising
Read more on economictimes.indiatimes.com