Speaker Mike Johnson informed Republicans during a closed-door retreat on Saturday at Fort McNair that President-elect Donald Trump wants to consolidate their legislative agenda into “one big beautiful bill” rather than pursuing the two-bill strategy previously planned by Republican leadership, POLITICO reported.
The announcement came as Republicans met to map out their strategy for passing a sweeping border, tax, and energy package.
Newsweek contacted the Trump transition team via email on Saturday for comment.
Why It Matters
This strategic shift comes at a crucial moment for Speaker Johnson, who just secured his position through a narrow reelection with Trump’s explicit backing. The timing is particularly significant as it follows Johnson’s recent collaboration with Democrats on a spending bill that had initially concerned some Trump supporters.
Trump’s public support proved decisive in Johnson’s reelection, with Representatives Ralph Norman of South Carolina and Keith Self of Texas changing their votes after Trump’s intervention.
What To Know
Newly elected Senate Majority Leader John Thune had originally proposed a two-phase approach: an initial reconciliation bill focusing on border security, defense, and energy within the first 30 days of the new Trump administration, followed by a separate bill later in the year addressing the extension of 2017 tax cuts set to expire in 2025.
Ways & Means Chair Jason Smith has emerged as a key advocate for the single-package approach, demonstrated by his decision to remain at Mar-a-Lago after New Year’s Eve celebrations for reconciliation strategy meetings, according to two Republicans who spoke with POLITICO.
What People Are Saying
Sen. John Thune on Speaker Jonhson during an interview on Meet the Press: “I think he has been responsive to his members, but he’s got a lot of folks that are headed in different directions.” He continued, “I mean, as you know, that with a narrow margin like that, any individual member of the House of Representatives can have a huge impact.”
What Happens Next
The House GOP must now adapt its legislative strategy to accommodate this consolidated approach while maintaining party unity. Johnson faces the task of implementing this single-package strategy with a slim Republican majority.
Immediate priorities include certifying Trump’s Electoral College victory ahead of his Jan. 20 inauguration while working to align House and Senate leadership on this new comprehensive legislative approach.
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