House Passes Trump-Backed Budget Resolution, Approves $4.5 Trillion Tax Cuts

House Republicans have narrowly passed a budget resolution aimed at advancing former President Donald Trump's economic agenda, which includes significant tax breaks and spending cuts. The resolution, approved by a 217-215 vote, faces strong opposition from Democrats and some hesitation among GOP lawmakers, despite Trump's active lobbying efforts to secure support. The budget plan proposes $4.5 trillion in tax cuts and $2 trillion in spending reductions, including cuts to healthcare and agricultural programs, although GOP leaders have assured that critical social programs like Medicaid will not be directly targeted. House Speaker Mike Johnson emphasized the importance of this vote as a step towards unlocking the reconciliation process, enabling Republicans to bypass a Senate filibuster. With the Senate already proposing its own scaled-back version, further negotiations are anticipated as both chambers work to align their plans. The resolution's passage is critical for the GOP's broader legislative goals, including defense and immigration reforms.