President Donald Trump’s ‘big, beautiful bill’ faces significant resistance from within the Republican Party as House Budget Committee members prepare to vote on the proposed legislation. The multitrillion-dollar package, which envisions substantial changes to tax policy, border security, immigration, defense spending, energy, and the debt limit, has sparked a notable degree of dissent among key GOP lawmakers. At least three Republicans—Andrew Clyde of Georgia, Ralph Norman of South Carolina, and Chip Roy of Texas—have publicly indicated that they would vote against advancing the bill in its current form. This opposition has raised concerns about whether the legislation can pass through the committee, which serves as a crucial step before a potential House-wide vote.
Norman and Roy have both raised concerns about the bill’s timing and its impact on certain policies. Norman criticized the delayed implementation of Medicaid work requirements, which are set to take effect only by 2029—well beyond the end of Trump’s term. Roy similarly questioned the delayed phase-out of green energy tax credits, which were part of former President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act. Both have argued that the current language fails to adequately address fiscal challenges in the near term and instead relies on what they call ‘swamp accounting’ to avoid immediate budgetary impact.
Other members of the Budget Committee have also raised concerns about the bill’s provisions. Rep. Josh Brecheen of Oklahoma expressed hesitation over moving forward with the meeting as planned, while Rep. Glenn Grothman of Wisconsin admitted he was unsure how he would vote on the legislation. With one expected absence among GOP members, the legislation requires just one ‘no’ vote to be blocked from advancing. This has intensified pressure on House leaders to secure additional support, but with the current level of dissent, this may prove difficult.
Despite these concerns, House Speaker Mike Johnson remains optimistic that the bill can move forward. Johnson has stated that the party is on schedule to pass the legislation by Memorial Day and has claimed confidence in the Budget Committee’s ability to advance the legislation. However, even with these assurances, the level of internal GOP dissent represents a substantial challenge to Trump’s agenda. If the bill fails to secure the necessary votes, it could result in a delay or even an outright derailment of the entire legislative effort.
While the immediate focus on the Budget Committee, the bill’s broader implications for the political and economic landscape cannot be overstated. As the legislation moves through Congress, it will have to navigate further scrutiny, including potential amendments in the Senate and final approval from the White House. With a deeply divided Republican Party and a divided Congress, the fate of Trump’s ‘big, beautiful bill’ remains uncertain, highlighting the significant influence of internal party dynamics on legislative outcomes.