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Speaker Johnson Aligns with Trump on Single Reconciliation Bill
Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) informed House Republicans during a private meeting on Saturday that President-elect Donald Trump prefers a single reconciliation package to address key legislative priorities. This approach diverges from the two-bill strategy that several GOP lawmakers, including prominent figures, have been advocating.
The meeting, held at Fort McNair, focused on using the reconciliation process to advance Republican priorities without needing Democratic support. With the GOP securing control of the White House and both chambers of Congress in the 2024 elections, the reconciliation process offers a pathway to enacting significant legislation efficiently.
According to sources present, Johnson conveyed Trump’s vision for “one big beautiful bill,” a comprehensive package addressing multiple issues. This stance contrasts with the two-package plan championed by Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) and members of the House Freedom Caucus. Thune’s proposal includes one package for border security and defense and a second to extend Trump-era tax cuts set to expire in 2025.
Rep. Andy Harris (R-Md.), chair of the House Freedom Caucus, reiterated support for the two-bill approach, emphasizing the need to act quickly on border security funding. “The president needs funds now, and the quickest way is through a small, focused border package,” Harris stated in a recent interview. He suggested saving the broader reconciliation package for later in the year, allowing time for more detailed negotiations.
Despite Trump’s position, some Republican leaders, including House Ways and Means Chair Jason Smith (R-Mo.), agree with a single-package strategy. Smith pointed out the challenges of passing multiple reconciliation bills within the same year, particularly with the slim Republican majority in Congress. “With a margin of 219 to 215, it’s ambitious to think we could successfully pass two separate packages,” Smith said.
While debate continues within the GOP, the reconciliation strategy will shape how Republicans implement their legislative priorities, balancing Trump’s vision with the practicalities of congressional dynamics.