President-elect Donald Trump met with Senate Republicans to discuss his legislative agenda, including tax cuts, border security, and energy policies, but no consensus emerged. Republicans are split over whether to advance Trump’s priorities in one comprehensive bill or divide them into two, with Senate leaders favoring a phased approach and House leaders warning of risks in passing a second bill.
Trump downplayed the division, emphasizing progress: “The end result is the same. We’re going to get something done.” Senate Majority Leader John Thune urged patience, allowing the House time to align.
Trump’s meetings continue this weekend at Mar-a-Lago, where he will meet House Republicans, including the ultraconservative Freedom Caucus, to push his agenda. Representative Ralph Norman plans to request Trump’s support for spending cuts to offset the growing $36 trillion debt.
The GOP faces challenges as their slim House majority may shrink further when two members join Trump’s administration. Senate Republicans, holding a narrow 53-47 majority, aim to bypass Democratic filibusters using budget reconciliation.
Trump recently intervened to secure votes for House Speaker Mike Johnson, earning praise for his influence. However, some Republicans, like Representative Kevin Hern, caution against overreach, reminding Trump of Congress’s independence.
Representative Dan Crenshaw highlighted Trump’s proactive role in legislative efforts, calling these discussions “the starting gun” for his second-term collaboration with Congress.
With pressing deadlines on tax extensions and debt management, the GOP must balance party unity and swift action to achieve Trump’s ambitious goals.
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