President Donald Trump will meet with House Republicans on Capitol Hill on Tuesday, May 20, to rally support for his sweeping tax and spending bill. The visit signifies Trump’s increased involvement as GOP leaders seek to advance the $3 trillion package before Memorial Day.
Trump plans to address the party’s weekly closed-door conference meeting to rally Republicans behind the reconciliation measure. The “big, beautiful bill” includes tax cuts, Medicaid work requirements and cuts to clean energy programs.
The White House confirmed his attendance. Trump has kept close contact with Speaker Mike Johnson and stands ready if needed, the White House said.
What’s in the bill?
The legislation seeks to permanently extend the 2017 Trump-era tax cuts. It will also introduce new breaks on tips, overtime pay and auto loan interest. The bill also proposes raising military and border enforcement spending while offsetting some costs through cuts to Medicaid, food assistance and clean energy incentives from the Inflation Reduction Act.
Republicans plan to move the bill using the budget reconciliation process. It allows them to bypass the Senate filibuster and pass it with a simple majority. GOP leaders aim to bring the bill to the House floor by the end of the week.
What are the sticking points?
Internal GOP divisions have slowed the bill’s progress. Fiscal conservatives want deeper spending cuts and faster implementation of Medicaid work requirements, currently set for 2029. House Majority Leader Steve Scalise said leadership plans to move that date to early 2027 to address right-wing concerns.
At the same time, moderates — especially those from high-tax states — are resisting cuts to social programs and pushing to raise the cap on the state and local tax (SALT) deduction beyond the proposed $30,000. Some lawmakers, like Rep. Nick LaLota of New York, have suggested raising marginal tax rates on the wealthy to help finance the expansion, a move most conservatives oppose.
What happens next?
After advancing out of the Budget Committee in a narrow Sunday night vote, the bill heads to the House Rules Committee. The committee is scheduled to meet at 1 a.m. ET on Wednesday. That panel will make final adjustments before sending the bill to the full House. GOP leaders hope to pass the legislation and send it to Trump’s desk by July 4.
Johnson has said the president remains “very excited, very encouraged” and committed to securing Republican unity as the final bill comes together.
contributed to this report.
