Mike Johnson’s Budget Reconciliation Plan Is Already Off the Tracks

Moderates want assurances that the House Republican budget won’t touch Medicaid. Conservatives want assurances that the budget will make even more aggressive cuts. And Speaker Johnson already appears short on the votes.

Mike Johnson

House Speaker Mike Johnson attends a press conference on Capitol Hill. Mark Schiefelbein/AP

Speaker Mike Johnson has talked a big game about delivering a “big, beautiful” reconciliation bill to enact Donald Trump’s agenda. But with the House slated to vote on a budget resolution Tuesday that may be doomed, Johnson looks like he’s in big trouble.

As a handful of members seek specific commitments from leadership about spending cuts in a reconciliation bill, Johnson’s commitments in the next 24 hours could be crucial for the success or failure of the ultimate legislation. But by Monday evening, one thing was clear: Lawmakers were dubious that the Tuesday vote would succeed — if it happens at all.

When asked if the vote was still scheduled for Tuesday, Johnson himself gave a noncommittal answer.