Budget conservatives raise concerns as major legislation passes crucial vote: ‘We need to achieve more’

House Committee Passes Key Spending Bill

The “Big, Beautiful Bill” successfully passed a crucial vote in the House Budget Committee on Sunday night, following previous opposition from five Republicans earlier in the week.

Initially, four GOP members voted against the bill on Friday, leading to a defeat with 16-21. However, during the Sunday night session, Republicans Roy, Norman, Clyde, and Bretzin shifted their stance and voted to advance it, resulting in a 17-16 vote. Smucker also came around to support the bill.

Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) had met with Norman, Clyde, and Bretzin on Sunday morning prior to the vote, which may have influenced their decision.

Chip Roy expressed optimism, stating, “This bill is a strong step forward. But we have to do more to deliver for the American people.” He emphasized the bill’s significance in laying the groundwork for necessary tax cuts, border security enhancements, and vital spending reductions.

While the reforms to Medicaid’s labor requirements were originally set for implementation in 2029, Roy noted that for a fiscal hawk like him, waiting that long wasn’t ideal. It was reported that Johnson had offered a 2026 date for these reforms.

However, Roy was quick to point out, “The bill still hasn’t met that moment, and it continues to do nearly half of Green’s new fraud subsidies… We cannot allow Medicaid money laundering scams and unethical fundraising structures to persist.” He raised concerns about the impact of the bill potentially leading to a continuing deficit and preventing Texas-style expansion of Obamacare in the future.

Only the Rules Committee can amend the bill moving forward. Republican leadership plans to keep lawmakers in session until at least 1 a.m. Wednesday, despite the original target date to break for Memorial Day.

“I voted ‘now’ with three colleagues to push the bill ahead in respect for the Republican Congress and the President,” Roy remarked. “This week offers us a chance to collaborate, especially as we’ve seen our bond ratings decline due to significant financial misconceptions.”