President Trump urged House conservatives to fall in line with his legislative agenda on Tuesday after several members of the GOP’s right flank dug in their heels against the proposed spending bill. “They have to do this. We have to get there. I think we are there. We had a great meeting today,” Trump said in an address to the National Republican Congressional Committee Dinner in Washington.
“But just in case there are a couple of Republicans out there. You just gotta get there. Close your eyes and get there. It’s a phenomenal bill. Stop grandstanding. Just stop grandstanding,” he continued, airing his frustration, The Hill reported. The remarks came after Trump met with a group of House Republicans earlier on Tuesday. Following the meeting, Florida Reps. Greg Steube and Byron Donalds voiced their support for the legislation. However, several Republican holdouts remain, including Rep. Chip Roy of Texas and Rep. Andy Ogles of Tennessee.
The internal GOP disagreement centers on the resolution’s differing requirements for spending cuts in the House and Senate. House committees are tasked with identifying at least $1.5 trillion in spending reductions, while Senate panels are only required to find $4 billion in cuts. House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) is aiming to hold a vote on the resolution this week, ahead of a two-week congressional recess. With Democrats expected to vote in lockstep against the measure, Johnson can only afford to lose three Republican votes.
A source familiar with the situation stated that the NRCC raised $35.2 million prior to Trump’s remarks at the House Republican campaign arm’s fundraising dinner. “We won’t just keep our majorities, we’ll expand our majorities by a lot,” Trump said. “We’re going to win the midterm elections and we’re going to have a tremendous, thundering landslide. I really believe that.” He added: It’s so important that we pass the big, beautiful bill. And I really think we’re helped a lot by the tariff situation that’s going on, which is a good situation. It’s going to be legendary, you watch.”