GOP secures crucial victory as debt limit rises by $4 trillion amid fiscal hawk resistance

In a nail-biting House vote, Republicans narrowly passed a sweeping budget resolution backing Donald Trump’s tax cuts, military expansion, and border security push. The bill, which also raises the debt limit by $4 trillion, survived by just two votes after last-minute lobbying.

The 217-215 vote saw every Democrat oppose the measure, alongside Republican Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.), who balked at the bill’s deficit impact. The resolution, a blueprint for future budget legislation, sets the stage for committee negotiations before a final showdown in the Senate.

GOP Internal Struggles and Last-Minute Drama

The House floor descended into chaos as GOP leaders delayed the vote for 45 minutes, desperately whipping conservative holdouts. At one point, Trump himself reportedly called Rep. Victoria Spartz (R-Ind.) to sway her decision.

Reps. Tim Burchett (R-Tenn.) and Warren Davidson (R-Ohio) were also seen on the phone, though it’s unclear whether they were speaking with Trump. The GOP nearly scrapped the vote before a sudden reversal brought lawmakers scrambling back to the chamber.

Meanwhile, Democrats made their own dramatic return—Rep. Brittany Pettersen (D-Colo.) arrived with her newborn, and Rep. Kevin Mullin (D-Calif.), recently hospitalised, appeared with a walker to cast their votes against the bill.

What’s in the Bill?

The resolution extends Trump’s 2017 tax cuts, set to expire this year, at a cost of $4.5 trillion. It also includes:

• $300 billion in new spending on border security, defence, and the judiciary.
• $1.5 to $2 trillion in cuts to offset Trump’s priorities.
• A provision forcing Congress to slash $2 trillion more, or risk reductions to the tax cuts.
• A $4 trillion debt limit increase to prevent the U.S. from defaulting this spring.

Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) dismissed concerns about Medicaid cuts, insisting the plan only targets “fraud, waste, and abuse.” However, Republicans in swing districts fear voter backlash over potential reductions to federal programmes.

Senate Battle Ahead

With razor-thin GOP control, the bill faces an uphill battle in the Senate, where Republicans can only afford two defections. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) is reportedly crafting a contingency plan should negotiations falter.

For now, the House GOP is celebrating—albeit nervously. As Rep. Brandon Gill (R-Texas) put it, “It’s the best bill we’re going to get.”