President Donald Trump on Monday urged House Republicans to rally behind the chairs of the Ways and Means, Energy and Commerce, and Agriculture committees who are working on a reconciliation budget package of tax cuts and spending reductions facing a Memorial Day voting deadline.
The Ways and Means Committee, chaired by Rep. Jason Smith, R-Mo., the Energy and Commerce Committee, chair by Rep. Brett Guthrie, R-Ky., and the Agriculture Committee, chaired by Glenn Thompson, R-Pa., are scheduled to hold markup hearings Tuesday to discuss their portions of Trump's "one big, beautiful bill."
"This week, the Republicans are meeting in the Tax, Energy, and Agriculture Committees on major pieces of 'THE ONE, BIG, BEAUTIFUL BILL,'" Trump posted on Truth Social. "Republicans need to UNIFY behind their Highly Respected Chairmen, Jason Smith, Brett Guthrie, and Glenn "GT" Thompson. Remember, these are men that truly strive to do what is RIGHT for America. The Democrats, on the other hand, want to DESTROY our Country.
"You must oppose these Democrat Amendments which, in all fairness to them, were made prior to my News Conference this morning announcing that Drug Prices, under our Most Favored Nations Policy, will be going down from 50% to 90%, affecting EVERYTHING that is done in a very positive way."
Trump, who visits Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates this week on the first Middle East trip of his second term, reportedly met with Smith on Friday at the White House to discuss the committee's tax proposals. The committee on Monday released its portion of the reconciliation bill before Tuesday's hearing.
The bill reportedly aims to cut taxes by more than $4 trillion and reduce spending by at least $1.5 trillion over a decade. The Energy and Commerce Committee released its portion Sunday night, and although the Agriculture Committee hasn't officially released its portion, its markup is set for Tuesday night.
Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., has set a Memorial Day deadline for the House to pass the reconciliation package and send it to the Senate.
"When I return from the Middle East, where great things will happen for America, we will work together on any and all outstanding issues, but there shouldn't be many — The Bill is GREAT," Trump wrote. "We have no alternative, WE MUST WIN! But now, with the tremendous Drug and Pharmaceutical Cuts, plus massive incoming Tariff Money, our 'GREAT, BIG, BEAUTIFUL BILL' just got much BIGGER and BETTER. The Golden Age of America will soon be upon us. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!"