Reconciliation.
It's the key word at the House Republican policy retreat at Trump National Doral outside Miami this week as lawmakers meet to discuss how to move President Trump's ambitious legislative agenda forward — using a procedural maneuver that allows for expedited consideration of budget bills.
Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) and GOP members have major decisions to make over the coming days on how to structure the vehicle for the massive, party-line bill that will cover everything from energy to border security and tax policy. The question is what to include, and which legislative items to save for a separate, bipartisan government funding measure Republicans will have to negotiate with Democrats.
Trump on Monday said, "Whether it's one bill, two bills, I don't care," seemingly throwing the legislative question back to Johnson and his fellow House Republicans.
The Speaker has been collecting member feedback for weeks while debating a host of options with GOP leaders. Committee chairs will present their proposals for the reconciliation package and answer member questions during a series of breakout sessions today.
But the clock is ticking.
In response to the GOP's sprawling budget plans, congressional Democrats are considering forcing a showdown over the debt limit to rein in Trump's vast plans to reshape both the economy and federal government. Using the threat of a default to usher in negotiations has historically been a Republican move, but in light of another potential debt crisis, Democrats have an opportunity to turn the tables.
With the razor-thin Republican majority in the House, lower chamber leaders know they will most likely need Democratic support to raise the debt limit.
That leaves Democrats able to bargain for what they want in exchange.
Trump on Monday said the current Congress will be the "most successful" in history if Republicans stick together despite their narrow majorities in both chambers.
"As long as we stay united, the 119th Congress will be remembered as the most successful and accomplished Republican majority in American history," he said. "I think we have a chance to do it."
▪ Politico: Trump detailed to House Republicans his costly congressional wishlist.
▪ NOTUS: Trump's lesson: In Congress, the carrot can be more effective than the stick.
▪ 👉 The Hill's Emily Brooks interviews Johnson today during a fireside chat at the House Republican retreat in Miami at 5:30 p.m. ET. Stay tuned to TheHill.com!
The Senate on Monday confirmed Scott Bessent to be secretary of the Treasury by a vote of 68-29. Bessent, a billionaire hedge fund manager and investor, now faces a daunting GOP push to enact Trump's ambitious economic agenda.
"He brings a wealth of private sector experience in the economy and markets to his new role, as well as the concern for the needs of working Americans," Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) said in his floor remarks on Monday, calling Bessent an "example of the American dream in action."
USA Today: Trump on Monday pledged sweeping tariffs on steel, semiconductors and other imports.
Trump's deportation blitz is picking up steam — along with criticism from Democrats that the administration's actions will harm communities and hurt the economy without solving the border crisis. Democrats accuse the president of seeking petty political revenge by launching deportation raids in deep-blue cities like Chicago, where he frequently clashes with Democratic officials.
"These unwarranted raids have not only targeted hardworking individuals but, alarmingly, have also wrongfully targeted U.S. citizens and veterans," said Rep. Adriano Espaillat (D-N.Y.), head of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus. "Such actions sow fear, disrupt families, destabilize local economies, and undermine public trust."
Johnson, meanwhile, on Monday brushed aside economic concerns associated with Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids as Democrats warn that the mass deportations could harm the economy. Asked during a press conference during the House Republican retreat whether he was concerned that the raids would have unintended consequences on the economy, Johnson responded, "I hope not, I don't think so."
"We are going to restore law and order at any cost, and I think we owe that to people," he added. "It's a very, very simple thing."
CalMatters: A surprise immigration raid in California foreshadows what awaits farmworkers and businesses.
Trump's early moves are leaving Democrats and liberals feeling they are facing a five-alarm fire. Trump's clemency toward those convicted of Jan. 6-related crimes, his dismissal of around 17 inspectors general, and his threats toward other leaders and the media have driven liberal fears about creeping authoritarianism to new heights. But, beyond court challenges, The Hill's Niall Stanage writes in The Memo that it's not especially clear what Trump's opponents can do about it.
No comments:
Post a Comment