US House passes Republican budget resolution to cut taxes, spending

By Rabia Iclal Turan

WASHINGTON (AA) - The US House of Representatives approved a Republican budget plan Tuesday, a key step in advancing President Donald Trump’s legislative agenda.

The resolution passed in a 217-215 vote after intense efforts by House Speaker Mike Johnson to secure enough support.

It calls for $4.5 trillion in tax cuts and a $2 trillion reduction in federal spending over a decade. However, concerns over potential cuts to Medicaid and other programs have drawn criticism from Democrats and some moderates.

It also includes about $300 billion for defense and border security along with a $4 trillion rise in the debt ceiling.

The spending plan must go through several steps before becoming law, including merging with a separate Senate budget through reconciliation. Even if both chambers agree, further negotiations will be needed before Trump’s proposals can move forward.