House Speaker Mike Johnson stresses importance of Memorial Day deadline as ‘historic’ budget bill heads for revote

House Speaker Mike Johnson expressed hope that the stalled budget bill would be brought to the House floor before Memorial Day. Lawmakers will vote again on Sunday night at 10 p.m. ET. Johnson emphasized the significance of the timeline for the “historic” bill, stating that they are working tirelessly to deliver the legislation promptly for the American people. The plan is to move the bill through the budget committee on Sunday, then to the rules committee by midweek, and finally to the House floor by the end of the week to meet the original Memorial Day deadline.

President Donald Trump urged lawmakers to unite behind the bill, but the House Budget Committee, led by the GOP, voted 16-21 against passing the multitrillion-dollar legislation. Concerns were raised by some Republicans, like Representatives Ralph Norman and Chip Roy, regarding Medicaid requirements and spending. Johnson acknowledged the concerns raised by Norman and Roy, attributing potential delays in enforcing new eligibility requirements to states’ capacity to implement system changes.

Johnson revealed that he has been in regular communication with Senate Majority Leader John Thune to ensure prompt passage of the bill in the Senate, despite GOP Senator Ron Johnson referring to it as “the Titanic.” Johnson hopes the Senate will not make significant modifications to the carefully negotiated bill. Apart from the Memorial Day deadline set by Johnson, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has emphasized the need to complete the bill by July 4.