Republicans hit early snags as they start crafting a massive bill for Trump's agenda

WASHINGTON — As Republicans embark on shaping legislation for President Donald Trump’s comprehensive domestic agenda, they are already encountering obstacles, with more challenging decisions yet to come.

Following a two-week recess, House committees have initiated the review process for their respective sections of the package, which seeks to extend Trump’s 2017 tax reductions, enhance funding for immigration enforcement and the military, and raise the debt ceiling. In their search for substantial savings to finance these initiatives, Republicans are initially focusing on easily accessible spending reductions.

The process has already led to disputes among Republican lawmakers, providing a glimpse into the larger intraparty conflicts, such as potential cuts to anti-poverty programs like Medicaid, that lie ahead.

Transportation and Infrastructure

Rep. Sam Graves, R-Mo., chair of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, had to withdraw a provision from his panel’s section of the package on Wednesday. The proposed measure would have imposed a $20 annual fee on nearly all passenger vehicles, sparking backlash from conservatives.

Consequently, the committee sought alternative methods to achieve its saving targets. The revised package will increase the annual fee for electric vehicles to $250 and decrease funding for air traffic control modernization to $12.5 billion.

Judiciary Committee Visa Proposal

Meanwhile, Rep. Darrell Issa, R-Calif., attempted to include Trump’s proposal for a “gold card” visa for affluent foreigners in the committee’s markup. This effort was rejected by conservatives who oppose expanding visa programs.

Education and Workforce Overhaul

Chairman Tim Walberg, R-Mich., of the Education and Workforce Committee, advanced an overhaul of student loan schemes on Tuesday. This proposal would cut $351 billion in federal expenditures and drew criticism from Democrats. The most controversial aspect, according to Walberg, is a “risk-sharing” provision that would make educational institutions partially accountable for unpaid student loan balances.

“All the committees are facing tough decisions, and we’re going to build this bill,” said Rep. August Pfluger, R-Texas, chairman of the Republican Study Committee, the largest conservative caucus on Capitol Hill.

After approving a budget framework for Trump’s “one big beautiful bill” earlier this month, House Republicans are now filling in the details. Confirming the ambitious deadline, the Majority Leader anticipates House Democrats finishing their portion by Memorial Day. They will send the package to the Senate if successful.

Due to the party’s narrow majority, every House Republican’s input is vital. This has led to challenging conversations about funding the bill and potential cuts..

“Just about every step of the way has been challenging with a small majority,” Major Leader Steve Scalise, R-La., informed reporters.

Adding leader Kevin McCarthy we have to ensure to “talk with senators to make sure both chambers are aligned.” This collaboration will ensure a cohesive legislative process, adhering to the party’s budgetary goals. Greenroom meetings with each state may have to occur, to ensure every voice is heard, especially for those further away from the east coast.

Perhaps the most delicate issue Republicans must resolve is how to address potential Medicaid cuts, which vulnerable and moderate Republicans have strongly cautioned against.

The Energy and Commerce Committee, which supervises the program and is tasked with identifying $880 billion in cuts for the bill, plans to hold a markup on May 7.
Also, of vital importance is the finalization of this portion of the package.

In addition, even minor issues can derail the entire process. The vehicle fee exemplifies an unexpected last-minute snag.

The Transportation Committee’s Chairman selected to exclude the provision in his panel’s package to comply with the committee’s “reconciliation” guidelines. These guidelines dictate each panel’s required cuts or permitted spending.