Special Poll
GOP Senators Concerned House Chaos Could Disrupt Trump’s Agenda
As President-elect Trump prepares to take office, Republican senators are voicing concerns about potential chaos in the narrowly divided GOP-controlled House that could derail his ambitious agenda. With major legislative hurdles looming, including spending bills and border security measures, senators are urging strategic actions to avoid gridlock.
Here are the key points to understand:
1. Concerns Over Delayed Spending Bills
Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) has proposed postponing the resolution of annual government spending bills until March. However, many GOP senators see this as a risky move that could create unnecessary conflict during Trump’s crucial first 90 days.
Senator Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.) criticized the plan, warning that Congress will be overwhelmed juggling leftover spending bills alongside confirming Trump’s Cabinet nominees and crafting a budget reconciliation package to address border security. “Clearing the deck” before Trump takes office in January, Cramer argues, would streamline the legislative agenda.
2. Fragile House Majority Could Trigger Gridlock
The GOP will hold a slim 219-215 majority in the House at the start of the new Congress, but this margin may shrink further as members like Reps. Mike Waltz (R-Fla.) and Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.) leave to join Trump’s administration.
This razor-thin majority means that even one defection could stall key votes. House Republicans have a history of discord, and senators worry that influential and unpredictable members, such as Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.), could wield significant power to disrupt proceedings.
3. Fears of Automatic Spending Cuts
Some conservatives in the House may push spending negotiations past April 2025 to trigger automatic budget cuts under a provision tied to unfinished appropriations bills. These cuts would impact both defense and non-defense programs, creating additional strain on the legislative process.
Senate Republicans are particularly concerned that prolonged battles over spending will divert attention from Trump’s priorities, such as securing the U.S.-Mexico border and boosting domestic energy production.
4. Push for Early Spending Deadlines
Senator Susan Collins (R-Maine), the incoming chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, is advocating for a temporary funding bill that lasts only until mid-January. This approach would allow Congress to resolve leftover fiscal 2025 spending bills while President Biden is still in office, paving the way for Trump’s administration to focus on its own agenda.
Collins emphasized that resolving spending issues early is in the best interest of both the country and the incoming administration. While Senate Republicans largely support her proposal, House leaders, including Speaker Johnson, remain committed to a March deadline.
5. Trump’s Legislative Priorities
Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) and GOP strategists are crafting a two-part legislative plan for Trump’s first year:
- First Package: Focused on border security and energy production, designed to appeal to Republicans across the ideological spectrum and pass quickly.
- Second Package: Aims to extend expiring Trump tax cuts and enact significant spending reforms, which could spark more division among GOP lawmakers.
While Senate Republicans are optimistic about passing these measures with their 53-seat majority, the House remains the wildcard. If disagreements over spending priorities persist, even widely supported proposals could face delays.