Republicans just notched a gritty win for President Donald Trump’s agenda when, late on Sunday, the House Budget Committee pushed through the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” after a tense 17-16 vote, as The Hill reports. This isn’t just a bill—it’s a MAGA battle cry against bloated government and woke priorities.
The vote, held past 10 p.m. local time, advanced Trump’s plan to extend tax cuts, secure the border, and overhaul Medicaid and food assistance programs. Four GOP holdouts -- Reps. Ralph Norman, Chip Roy, Andrew Clyde, and Josh Brecheen opted for “present” votes, giving the bill just enough juice to clear the hurdle. Their hesitation shows the tightrope Speaker Mike Johnson walks to unify the party.
Friday’s vote on May 16 cratered when those same conservatives balked, demanding deeper cuts. They weren’t wrong -- America’s drowning in debt, and half-measures won’t do. By Sunday, tweaks like faster Medicaid work requirements and a quicker end to green energy handouts got them to budge, but they’re still not sold.
“They are counting the vote as a big win tonight,” Johnson declared. Big? Sure, but it’s a shaky one. The bill now heads to the House Rules Committee, where more arm-twisting awaits.
Johnson’s optimism is infectious: “I’m absolutely convinced we’re going to get this in final form and pass it before Memorial Day.” Deadlines are great, but the GOP’s got a history of tripping over its own feet. Moderates from high-tax states are already clamoring for a higher SALT deduction cap, which smells like a deal-breaker in the making.
The bill’s got teeth: new work rules for “able-bodied” Medicaid recipients and a full repeal of green energy incentives. Conservatives like Rep. Chip Roy gripe that the savings are too far out, and he’s got a point—why wait a decade to stop the climate scam? Roy’s “present” vote was a nod to Trump, but he’s not waving pom-poms yet.
“Out of respect for the Republican Conference and the President,” Roy said, explaining his vote. Respect’s nice, but he’s blunt: the bill “does not yet meet the moment.” That’s code for “fix the deficit or we’re done.”
Roy’s not alone. Norman, another holdout, cheered the changes but warned, “We’ve been downgraded three times, we have problems with the money in this country.” He’s right -- America’s proverbial credit score can’t take more reckless spending.
Norman’s take? “We had some great changes, got a lot more work to do.” He voted present to keep things moving, but don’t mistake that for a blank check. These guys are watching every dime.
Democrats, predictably, are clutching their pearls. Ranking panel member Brendan Boyle wants to know about “side deals” cooked up behind closed doors. Transparency’s a cute demand from a party that’s mastered backroom shenanigans.
Boyle’s whining falls flat when you consider the stakes. Trump’s bill isn’t just policy -- it’s a rejection of the left’s endless welfare state and green pipe dreams. The public deserves a government that prioritizes borders over boondoggles.
Trump himself laid down the law on Friday, blasting GOP “GRANDSTANDERS” to “STOP TALKING, AND GET IT DONE!” He’s not wrong—infighting only hands wins to the progressive agenda. The man’s got a knack for cutting through the noise.
The House Rules Committee will tackle the bill later this week, and it’s anyone’s guess what’ll survive. Roy, a panel member, isn’t committing to a yes vote, which spells trouble. If conservatives dig in, the Memorial Day deadline could slip.
Johnson’s team, including White House aide James Braid, was in the room Sunday night, proving this is all hands on deck. They’ve got to balance the hardline fiscal hawks with moderates itching for SALT relief. Good luck threading that needle.
The GOP is racing to pass this before May 26, and the clock is ticking. If Republicans pull it off, it’s a massive win for Trump’s vision of a leaner, stronger America. If not, expect the woke crowd to gloat while the deficit keeps climbing.
