Tax Plan Talks: Sunday Showdown

Republicans are hustling to fix their big tax cut and border security plan. They are planning a rare Sunday night meeting to push it forward. This comes after a setback on Friday. The House Budget Committee voted against moving the bill ahead. Five Republicans joined Democrats in voting no. They had worries about the bill's impact on the federal budget. The bill has a mix of tax cuts and spending increases. It speeds up some changes but delays others. For example, new work rules for Medicaid won't start until 2029. Critics say this means paying for things now and making cuts later. They warn that future generations will foot the bill. Speaker Mike Johnson is confident the bill will move forward. He sees it as fulfilling the election mandate. He also noted that the delayed start for work rules gives states time to prepare. But some Republicans want changes. They are talking about it on Sunday. The bill has big tax cuts and spending plans. It makes some tax cuts permanent and adds new ones. It also boosts spending on border security and defense. A watchdog group estimates it could add $3. 3 trillion to the debt over ten years. Democrats are against the bill. They call it a "betrayal" of working people. They say it hurts the economy and puts the burden on ordinary Americans. Johnson has to balance different groups' concerns. Some want more tax breaks. Others want changes to social programs. The bill faces more hurdles. If it passes the House, it goes to the Senate. Changes there could make final passage tougher. Johnson hopes the Senate won't change it much. He wants a quick passage.