The House Budget Committee on Friday rejected President Donald Trump’s multitrillion-dollar legislative package in a 16-21 vote, with five Republicans joining Democrats in a stinging rebuke to party leadership. The surprise defeat came after conservative hardliners, led by Rep. Chip Roy (R-Texas), blasted the bill for front-loading spending while delaying savings.
“This bill has back-loaded savings and has front-loaded spending,” Roy said. “Deficits will go up in the first half of the 10-year budget window—and we all know it’s true.”
Chairman Jodey Arrington (R-Texas) adjourned the hearing, saying the committee would not reconvene over the weekend. GOP leaders admitted the package needs revisions, especially to tax and Medicaid provisions.
Democrats unanimously opposed the bill. “There is a strong divide between Republicans and some other Republicans,” said Rep. Brendan Boyle (D-Pa.).
Negotiations are set to resume Monday as GOP leadership scrambles to salvage the legislation.
