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The vote on Tuesday night within the Home was the primary procedural vote to advance the Republican price range invoice that contained $2 trillion in spending cuts that may just about intestine Medicaid and meals help, elevate the debt restrict, and supply $4.5 trillion in tax cuts that may principally go to the rich and companies.
It ought to have been clean crusing for Home Republicans, proper?
When you believed that, you might have by no means seen this group of Home Republicans in motion.
The indicators of hassle started when Republicans on the far proper began grumbling in regards to the invoice containing no spending cuts for presidency funding that expires on March 14.
The actually large crimson flag got here out when Home Republicans left a 15-minute vote open for an hour plus as they have been making an attempt to scrounge up the votes for the reconciliation invoice.
After wanting like they’d canceled the vote, Johnson referred to as the Home again into session to vote on the price range invoice.
Home Republicans grumbled and dragged their ft all day, however in the long run, they received in line and handed the invoice.
The Home GOP is now on the file supporting gutting Medicaid, which has an over 75% approval score with Republicans and Democrats.
Jake Sherman of Punchbowl Information posted on X about how insane this evening has been:
in my 15+ years overlaying congress, i’ve by no means seen the management cancel a vote, ship lawmakers residence after which abruptly change course and put the vote up. all inside the course of about 10 minutes.
None of this can be a good signal for the Home Republican means to go something, and if they’d this large of a struggle over a procedural vote, think about the extent of hell that can break free once they try and go a ultimate invoice.
Democrats might be in a terrific place to run in opposition to each single Home Republican who voted for this invoice as voting to just about finish Medicaid to be able to reduce taxes for the wealthy.
Home Republicans have sealed their very own destiny in 2026. Voters have already turned on Trump, and now, with a vote to just about kill Medicaid, they will possible kiss their slim Home majority goodbye.
There may be nonetheless a really lengthy approach to go on this course of. Nothing is ultimate but, however Republicans within the Home took a step towards advancing Trump’s agenda.
The ultimate vote was 217-215. Speaker Mike Johnson received, however Republicans took a giant step towards shedding the Home.
What do you consider Republicans passing their price range invoice? Share your ideas within the feedback beneath.
