Republican lawmakers' demands threaten to trip up Donald Trump's agenda

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Posted on 01/09/2025 4:56:51 PM PST by E. Pluribus Unum

Enough House Republicans are drawing red lines in pursuit of steeper state and local tax deductions and deep spending cuts to prevent President-elect Donald Trump’s agenda from being passed.

Even as lawmakers work on a consensus approach to a budget reconciliation package that will be the chief legislative vehicle for the Trump agenda, some key factions say their support depends on satisfying their demands.

Rep. Michael Lawler and his fellow New York Republicans are set to meet with Mr. Trump and make the case for lifting the cap on the state and local tax deduction from federal income taxes, also known as SALT, to keep up with the cost of living in high-tax states.

“I will not support a tax bill that does not lift the cap on SALT,” he said.

Many of The debt hawks in the House Freedom Caucus are setting another red line by advocating steep spending cuts.

“I’m trying not to have red lines,” Rep. Eric Burlison, Missouri Republican, told The Washington Times. “But I will say, if they’re going to be disingenuous about spending cuts, and we’re not going to make spending cuts, I’m not going to be happy with that. And I won’t support it.”

Other House Republicans scoffed at their colleagues’ legislative demands.

“People are already putting out red lines; shame on them,” Rep. Don Bacon, Nebraska Republican, told The Times. “These guys don’t know how to play ball. They play solitaire.”

Both chambers have thin margins, and any loss of support could sink Republicans’ plans to move quickly on their ambitious agenda without the help of Democrats, as the filibuster-proof reconciliation process allows.

Groups of House Republicans are taking their demands to Mr. Trump at weekend meetings at his Mar-a-Lago club in Palm Beach, Florida.

(Excerpt) Read more at washingtontimes.com ...

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