Trump Wants Just 1 Package
At a recent House Republican meeting, Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) delivered a key message to his colleagues: President-elect Donald Trump favors a singular, large reconciliation package to advance the GOP agenda, rather than the two-bill approach pushed by several other Republican leaders. This bold strategy from Trump stands in stark contrast to proposals from prominent GOP figures like Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.), who has advocated for splitting the reconciliation effort into two distinct packages—one focused on securing the southern border and strengthening defense, and the other aimed at extending Trump-era tax cuts, set to expire by 2025.
In a private gathering at Fort McNair, Johnson shared Trump’s vision with House Republicans, emphasizing that the President-elect envisions one comprehensive bill to tackle key priorities. According to multiple sources in the room, Johnson described it as a “big beautiful bill” that would consolidate several GOP initiatives into a single legislative package. This approach is intended to bypass Democratic opposition and push through the party’s core objectives once Republicans reclaim full control of Washington after the 2024 elections.
However, many Republicans on Capitol Hill, especially within the House Freedom Caucus, continue to back the idea of splitting the reconciliation effort into two parts. Rep. Andy Harris (R-Md.), chairman of the Freedom Caucus, reaffirmed this position, arguing that a smaller, immediate package should first address border security. Harris noted that securing funds for border enforcement and the deportation of illegal immigrants should be a top priority, with larger, more complex legislation reserved for later in the year. “The president needs some funds now,” Harris explained, “and that’s the quickest way to get it done.”
Despite this division, there is some agreement within the party. House Ways and Means Chair Jason Smith (R-Mo.) aligns with Trump’s view, stressing that one reconciliation package is more realistic given the narrow Republican majority in the current Congress. “Why would we think that, with a slim majority of 219 to 215, we could overperform and get two reconciliations passed in one year?” Smith questioned, underlining the practical challenges of pursuing a two-bill strategy.
As Republicans prepare for a potential 2024 victory, the debate over reconciliation strategy reveals deeper divisions within the party—between those seeking immediate action on issues like border security and those pushing for a more comprehensive, all-encompassing approach. With Trump’s influence at the helm, it’s clear that the GOP’s legislative battle lines are still taking shape.