Johnson tells House GOP Trump wants one reconciliation package
Share and Follow


Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) told House Republicans on Saturday that President-elect Trump wants to pass one reconciliation package, a strategy that runs counter to the two-bill effort several other GOP lawmakers had been pushing for.

Johnson made the announcement during a private House GOP meeting at Fort McNair, five sources in the room told The Hill, as the conference gathered to discuss plans for moving legislation through the budget reconciliation process. The Republican trifecta taking full control of the White House and both chambers of Congress in the 2024 election is looking to use it to bypass Democratic opposition and pass many of its priorities.

Johnson told lawmakers that the president-elect wants to pass “one big beautiful bill,” according to two of the sources.

Trump’s stance directly contrasts with the preference of many Republicans up on Capitol Hill, including Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.), who laid out a plan last month that includes two reconciliation packages. The first would focus on border security and defense, and the other centered on extending the Trump-era tax cuts, which have some provisions that are set to expire at the end of 2025.

Additionally, the conservative House Freedom Caucus endorsed the two-track plan in December, writing in a letter to Johnson that the House should move on one package focused on the border, and a second encompassing taxes and other matters.

Rep. Andy Harris (R-Md.), the chairman of the Freedom Caucus, reiterated that position as recently as Saturday morning.

“There are a group of us who support breaking it up into two pieces,” Harris told Fox News in an interview. “The first piece, a very small border piece where we give the president the money that he needs to secure our southern border and start deporting illegal, criminal aliens.”

“The president needs some funds now and that’s the quickest way to do it, and that’s the way, again, a group of us think we should do that,” he added later. “Saving the large, big, beautiful bill till the summer because it will take time to iron out.”

Stephen Miller, Trump’s incoming deputy chief of staff for policy, has also endorsed the two-package approach.

Trump’s position, however, does align with that of House Ways and Means Chair Jason Smith (R-Mo.), who has been adamant that Congress should plan for one reconciliation package, not two, citing previous legislative undertakings and the razor-thin margin Republicans have in this Congress.

“There have not been two reconciliations that have been signed into law in the same year,” Smith said last month. “And why would we think in a majority of 219 to 215 that we would over perform?”

Emily Brooks contributed.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Iranian president says his country is at 'total war' with the US, Israel and Europe: reports

Iran Declares ‘Total War’ Against US, Israel, and Europe Amid Escalating Tensions: President’s Bold Statement Sparks Global Concern

Huckabee says Iran’s ‘ultimate goal is to destroy the US’ At a…
Africa’s Christian Crisis: How 2025’s deadly attacks finally drew global attention after Trump’s intervention

Africa’s Christian Crisis: How 2025’s Lethal Attacks Captured Global Focus Following Trump’s Intervention

JOHANNESBURG: As Christmas unfolds, millions of Christians in sub-Saharan Africa face threats…
Virginia vs. Missouri prediction: Odds, picks, best bet for Gator Bowl

Virginia vs. Missouri Gator Bowl Showdown: Expert Predictions, Betting Odds, and Top Picks Revealed

Gambling content 21+. The New York Post may receive an affiliate commission…
Selena Gomez steps out after first Christmas with Benny Blanco

Selena Gomez Enjoys Outing Following Her First Christmas Celebration with Benny Blanco

After enjoying her first Christmas with husband Benny Blanco, Selena Gomez indulged…
FanDuel Sportsbook promo code: Bet $5, get $250 bonus on Jaguars vs. Colts

Unlock $250 Bonus with FanDuel Promo: Bet $5 on Jaguars vs. Colts Showdown Today!

Gambling content 21+. The New York Post may receive an affiliate commission…
Haunting final image of 19-year-old who vanished on Christmas Eve

Chilling Last Photo of Missing 19-Year-Old Sparks Christmas Eve Mystery

Footage from a neighbor’s security camera has recorded the last known moments…
Brigitte Bardot, 1960s sultry sex symbol turned militant animal rights activist dies at 91

From Iconic 60s Star to Fierce Animal Advocate: Remembering Brigitte Bardot’s Legacy at 91

In 1969, Brigitte Bardot’s striking features were chosen to embody “Marianne,” the…
Flu surges across US as holiday travel fuels record infections

Holiday Travel Sparks Record Flu Spike Across the US

The flu is making its presence felt across the United States just…