The “big, beautiful bill” passed a key vote in the House Budget Committee Sunday night after five spending skeptics initially tanked the bill on Friday.
Rather than derail reconciliation a second time, four Republicans voted “present” to advance the bill in a 17-16 vote on Sunday night. On Friday, Republican Reps. Chip Roy of Texas, Ralph Norman of South Carolina, Andrew Clyde of Georgia, Josh Brecheen of Oklahoma, and Lloyd Smucker of Pennsylvania all voted against the bill, resulting in a 16-21 vote.
This time around, Roy, Norman, Clyde, and Brecheen voted “present” to advance the bill, while Smucker voted in favor of it. Notably, Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) also met with Norman, Clyde, and Brecheen Sunday morning before the vote.
‘This bill is a strong step forward. … But we have to do more to deliver for the American people.’
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Rep. Chip Roy (R-Texas). Photo by Tom Brenner for the Washington Post via Getty Images
“Tonight, after a great deal of work and engagement over the weekend, the Budget Committee advanced a reconciliation bill that lays the foundation for much-needed tax relief, border security, and important spending reductions and reforms,” Roy said in a statement. “Importantly,