McCarthy Calls GOP Stalling on Trump’s Budget Bill a ‘Real Misstep’
Former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy isn’t happy with his fellow Republicans. He publicly criticized them for delaying a vote on President Trump’s budget bill, calling it a ‘real misstep’.
A Discord Within the GOP
The trouble started with a key committee vote on what Trump is calling his ‘One Big Beautiful Bill.’ Five Republican lawmakers—Reps. Chip Roy, Ralph Norman, Josh Brecheen, Andrew Clyde, and Lloyd Smucker—voted against advancing the measure. This stalled the bill’s progress in the House.
This move divided the GOP. Fiscal conservatives, including those who opposed the bill, argue that proposed Medicaid cuts are too small and should be implemented sooner. Meanwhile, more moderate Republicans are pushing for a higher cap on the state and local tax (SALT) deduction.
McCarthy’s Frustration
Speaking on radio host John Catsimatidis’s show, McCarthy made his feelings clear. He expressed frustration with the GOP’s inaction, saying, ‘The stock market seems like it is moving up. Now, if Congress can start doing the things that President Trump’s doing, it would even help us more. Today was a real misstep on the Republicans part…’
McCarthy also seemed to take a subtle jab at current House Speaker Mike Johnson, saying, ‘Once President Trump gets back in the country, I mean, poor President Trump is being the president the speaker at the same time, I think we’ll get that bill through.’
Key Provisions of the Bill
The ‘One Big Beautiful Bill’ includes a mix of tax cuts and spending changes. It aims to remove taxes on overtime and tips, extend Trump’s 2017 tax cuts, and impose new work requirements for Medicaid recipients. The bill also seeks to repeal green energy tax credits passed by Democrats in 2022.
Next Steps
The House Budget Committee is scheduled to reconvene on Sunday evening to try and move the bill forward. McCarthy hopes the bill will pass before Memorial Day, emphasizing its potential to boost the economy and keep promised tax cuts in place.
