Fiscal conservatives on the House Budget Committee unexpectedly derailed a key vote Friday on advancing the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” a sweeping package reflecting President Trump’s legislative agenda. The move represents a major obstacle for Republican leaders aiming to send the bill to the Senate by Memorial Day, as they continue to negotiate with both hardline deficit hawks and moderates demanding greater tax relief for blue-state constituents.
The committee voted 16-21, falling short of what was needed to advance the legislation. Only two GOP defections could be absorbed, but five Republicans voted against it: Chip Roy of Texas, Ralph Norman of South Carolina, Josh Brecheen of Oklahoma, Andrew Clyde of Georgia, and Lloyd Smucker of Pennsylvania. Smucker switched his vote from yes to no in a procedural move, which allows the committee to reconsider the measure at a later date.
In a post on X, Smucker clarified his position, stating, “To be clear I fully support the One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB). My vote today in the Budget Committee is a procedural requirement to preserve the committee’s opportunity to reconsider the motion to advance OBBB.”
Following the failed vote, House Budget Committee Chairman Jodey Arrington recessed the committee and told members they would not reconvene Friday. He advised them to head home and said he would inform them over the weekend if a Monday session would take place to revisit the vote.
Smucker noted that while there were still outstanding concerns, talks were progressing. “We’re working through some remaining issues here, there are just a few outstanding issues I think everyone will get to yes, and we’re going to resolve this as quick as we can and hopefully have a vote, ideally on Monday, and we can advance this bill,” he said.
Despite the setback, Republican leaders appear confident that with continued discussions, they will secure enough support from the holdouts to get the legislation back on track.