Why ‘One, Big, Beautiful Bill’ Stalled, and What’s Next

The reconciliation budget has hit a rough patch in the House as moderate and conservative Republicans fight for differing priorities.

Members listen during a mark up meeting with the House Budget Committee on Capitol Hill in Washington on May 16, 2025. Members of the Budget Committee met to consider House Republicans’ reconciliation bill, which includes U.S. President Donald Trump's proposed tax and spending cuts. Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images

WASHINGTON—Republicans were dealt a major blow on May 16 when the House Budget Committee failed to advance a multi-trillion-dollar budget package.

Created through a process that does not require support from Democrats, the package would fund President Donald Trump’s agenda items on the border, energy, and more while making permanent the tax cuts passed during his first presidency. It would also raise the debt ceiling to $4 trillion.