On Wednesday, U.S. President Donald Trump addressed concerns over the proposed legislation funding the federal government beyond the March 14 deadline. Many feared that this bill would include significant cuts to vital social safety net programs, such as Medicaid and Social Security. However, in a reassuring statement to reporters, Trump declared, “We’re not going to touch it.”
The President went on to emphasize the importance of rooting out fraud within these programs, stating, “Now we are going to look for fraud. I’m sure you’re OK with that, like people that shouldn’t be off, people that are illegal aliens and other criminals.” Trump’s commitment to protecting the integrity of these programs while also ensuring they are not being misused is admirable and should provide relief to those who rely on them.
However, the proposed cuts to social safety net programs remain one of the most pressing issues that lawmakers are working to resolve before the short-term spending bill runs out in just over two weeks. The House of Representatives passed a budget resolution 217-215 on Tuesday, with Speaker of the House Mike Johnson securing enough votes from within his party.
“We promised to deliver President Trump’s full agenda, not just a part of it, not just a little bit of it now and return for the rest,” Johnson told reporters earlier on Tuesday. The House and Senate bills will now need to be reconciled to be signed into law, a process that may prove challenging given the differing versions passed by each chamber.
Before the vote, several members of the House Republican conference voiced concerns about the size of the spending measure, how and when to enact a proposed extension of the 2017 tax cuts, and the potential political impact of cutting social safety net programs that benefit many American voters. However, House Speaker Johnson emphasized the moral obligation to not only find savings for taxpayers but also to address the growing national debt.
President Trump has been vocal about the need for a comprehensive spending bill that will support his domestic policy agenda. He has called for “one big, beautiful bill” that will be a key part of enacting his vision for America. While Trump expressed his preference for the House version of the budget, the Senate last week passed a funding resolution that provides $150 billion for military funding and $175 billion for border security. This measure also avoids the controversial Medicaid cuts proposed in the House version.
In a statement released on Wednesday, Senate Budget Committee Chairman Lindsey Graham warned of the urgency to address border security, stating, “Time is of the essence when it comes to border security. ICE will run out of money in weeks, not months. Stalling President Trump’s border security agenda is not only bad politics, it is dangerous.” The need for swift action to address such critical issues should not be ignored, and the Senate’s proposed budget reflects that urgency.
Last week, on Truth Social, Trump praised the collaborative efforts of both the House and Senate to work together as a “unified and unbeatable team.” However, he also noted that the House’s version of the budget aligns more closely with his “America First Agenda,” stating that it includes “EVERYTHING, not just parts of it!” This shows the President’s determination to see his policies fully implemented and makes it clear that he will not settle for less.
If lawmakers fail to reach a compromise by March 14, there will be a partial government shutdown. This would leave millions of federal employees without pay and suspend some nonessential government services. Therefore, it is crucial for Congress to find a solution that works for all parties to avoid such a scenario.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune has not ruled out the possibility of another short-term spending bill to give lawmakers more time to negotiate. He told reporters on Tuesday, “We’re keeping all the options on the table, but we are running out of time.” The urgency to reach a resolution is evident, and potential delays must be weighed against the consequences of a partial government shutdown.
The Senate moved forward with a vote on its version of the budget due to uncertainty over the success of the House’s vote. On the Senate floor, Minority Leader Chuck Schumer characterized the House’s proposed cuts as a threat to American voters. He stated, “Last night, almost every single House Republican signed their names to what would be the largest Medicaid cuts in American history. The havoc, the damage that would do to tens of millions of American families would be almost unprecedented when it comes to Medicaid.” However, it is essential to note that Medicaid is
