House Speaker Mike Johnson cancels a crucial meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu amid budget debates and President Trump’s controversial Gaza proposal.
At a Glance
- Speaker Johnson cancels meeting with Netanyahu due to extended talks with Trump
- Republicans work on budget bill to advance Trump’s policy priorities
- Trump proposes relocating Gaza residents and reconstructing the area
- House GOP debates one- or two-bill approach for reconciliation
- Budget resolution markup aimed for next week amid internal disagreements
Budget Discussions and Meeting Cancellations
House Speaker Mike Johnson found himself in a tight spot as he was forced to cancel a scheduled meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The cancellation came as a result of an extended meeting with President Donald Trump, which ran longer than anticipated. The meeting with Netanyahu was derailed as lawmakers were still engaged at the White House.
Despite the setback with Johnson, Netanyahu successfully met with Senate Majority Leader John Thune and a bipartisan group of senators.
Trump’s Controversial Gaza Proposal
Adding to the maelstrom, President Trump proposed a contentious plan for the Gaza Strip. The proposal suggests that the U.S. take ownership of the area, relocate its residents, and reconstruct it. The move garnered mixed reactions across the political spectrum.
“It’s a bold move,” Speaker Johnson said.
While some Republicans view the proposal as innovative, Democrats have criticized it harshly, with some labeling it as promoting “ethnic cleansing.”
Republican Budget Strategy
House Speaker Johnson and top Republicans are also working on a budget bill designed to advance Trump’s policy priorities without the threat of Senate filibusters. The strategy involves using the reconciliation process, which allows certain budget-related measures to pass with a simple majority in the Senate.
Key discussions in the budget plan include extending the federal borrowing limit, preserving the 2017 tax cuts, addressing issues at the U.S.-Mexico border, and potentially eliminating taxes on tips. Other ideas being considered involve removing taxes on senior Social Security benefits and overtime pay, as well as closing certain tax loopholes.
Internal GOP Disagreements
The House Republicans find themselves at odds over the approach to budget reconciliation. Speaker Johnson advocates for a single, comprehensive bill, while the Freedom Caucus and some Senate Republicans favor a two-bill approach. This internal discord presents a significant challenge for the GOP, especially given their narrow House majority.
