House Speaker Mike Johnson’s cancellation of a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu due to extended discussions with House Republicans and President Donald Trump has sparked debates on budget strategies and Middle East policy.
At a Glance
- Speaker Johnson canceled a meeting with Netanyahu due to prolonged discussions with Trump and House Republicans
- Trump proposed relocating Gaza’s inhabitants and rebuilding the area, eliciting mixed reactions
- House Republicans are debating between a unified single bill or a two-bill approach for budget reconciliation
- Johnson emphasizes the need for rapid action to advance Trump’s policy initiatives
- A budget resolution markup is expected as early as next week
Canceled Meeting and Trump’s Gaza Proposal
House Speaker Mike Johnson’s scheduled meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was unexpectedly canceled due to an extended discussion with President Donald Trump and House Republicans. The meeting was derailed as lawmakers remained at the White House well past their 11 a.m. appointment. This scheduling conflict allowed Netanyahu to meet with Senate Majority Leader John Thune and a bipartisan group of senators instead.
The extended meeting with Trump coincided with discussions about the president’s controversial proposal regarding Gaza. Trump suggested that the United States take ownership of the Gaza Strip, relocate its residents, and reconstruct the area. This proposal has generated mixed reactions across the political spectrum, with Republicans offering varied responses and Democrats criticizing it as promoting “ethnic cleansing.”
Budget Reconciliation Debate
The prolonged meeting also centered around crucial budget discussions as House Republicans grapple with how to approach budget reconciliation. The debate focuses on whether to pursue a unified single bill or a two-bill approach. Speaker Johnson is advocating for a single bill strategy, emphasizing the need for cohesion and rapid action to advance Trump’s policy initiatives.
The budget plan under discussion includes several key points such as extending the federal borrowing limit, preserving the 2017 tax cuts, addressing U.S.-Mexico border issues, and eliminating taxes on tips. Republicans aim to use the reconciliation process to pass these policies without facing a Senate filibuster.
Challenges and Next Steps
The GOP faces significant challenges in implementing their budget strategy due to a narrow House majority and potential competing proposals from Senate Republicans. Senate Budget Committee Chairman Lindsay Graham is expected to introduce a separate budget measure, adding complexity to the process.
Johnson and Majority Leader Steve Scalise reported progress in their meeting with Trump, working towards a budget resolution framework. The Speaker stressed the critical need for unity and swift action, aiming for a budget resolution markup soon. However, disagreements persist over the extent of necessary cuts.
