House Speaker Mike Johnson recently informed House Republicans that President-elect Donald Trump is advocating for a single reconciliation bill to address key legislative priorities. Johnson conveyed this during a private meeting on Capitol Hill, according to sources familiar with the discussion.
Trump reportedly described the proposed package as “one big beautiful bill,” emphasizing the importance of consolidating efforts into one comprehensive piece of legislation. The idea has received mixed reactions among Republicans, with some favoring an alternative approach.
Trump officially endorses the one-bill reconciliation strategy to pass his agenda. pic.twitter.com/tHufDcYbZv
— Sahil Kapur (@sahilkapur) January 6, 2025
Rep. Andy Harris (R-MD) and other members of the House Freedom Caucus have pushed for dividing the legislative effort into two separate bills. Harris argued that the first bill should focus exclusively on border security to ensure immediate funding for securing the southern border and deporting illegal aliens. “The president needs some funds now,” Harris said during an interview, explaining that breaking the package into two parts could expedite critical priorities.
The Washington Examiner: Johnson lays out ambitious timeline to pass reconciliation bill for Trump agenda https://t.co/sOz1tN435V
— John Wade (@LtJohnWade) January 6, 2025
Harris also suggested that a larger, more complex bill could follow in the summer after detailed negotiations. This phased approach, he said, would allow for quicker action on urgent matters while leaving time for broader policy discussions.
Rep. Mike Johnson tells House Republicans Trump wants them to pass a single reconciliation bill https://t.co/39lkIT9c66 via @nbcnews
— Jeff Angelo (@JeffAngeloRadio) January 6, 2025
Opposing this view, Rep. Jason Smith (R-MO), chair of the House Ways and Means Committee, has advocated for a single bill. Smith expressed doubts about the feasibility of passing two reconciliation measures given the GOP’s narrow 219-215 majority in the House. He noted that multiple reconciliation bills in a single year have historically been unsuccessful.
Mike Johnson Reveals That Trump Wants A Single ‘Big Beautiful’ Reconciliation Bill https://t.co/6TRPagCLah via @OANN
— Danny Stommels (@StommelsDanny) January 6, 2025
Smith argued that a unified legislative package would provide a clearer path to success, reducing the risk of political setbacks in a closely divided Congress.
The Freedom Caucus has continued to voice its concerns, insisting that immediate border security funding is essential to fulfilling campaign promises.
