Republican plans for a significant policy overhaul using the budget reconciliation process are facing delays, causing friction in their timeline for implementing President Trump's agenda. House Speaker Mike Johnson initially aimed to advance the bill out of committee this week, but disagreements within the House Budget Committee over the depth of proposed spending cuts have stalled progress.

Hardline Republicans are pushing for more aggressive cuts than initially proposed by GOP leaders, arguing that the initial proposal wouldn't significantly reduce deficits. A source within the Budget Committee described the initial proposal as "increasing deficits even further." While the proposed spending cuts have reportedly increased during negotiations, some members still find them "woefully inadequate." The national debt continues to rise, exceeding $36 trillion, adding further pressure to the debate.

Reconciliation, a process allowing the Senate to pass legislation with a simple majority, is crucial for Republicans to enact Trump's policies without Democratic support. This process requires the House Budget Committee to pass a budget resolution with instructions for other committees. Conservatives are demanding a deficit-neutral, if not deficit-reducing, outcome, a promise made by Speaker Johnson. However, Rep. Ralph Norman, a House Freedom Caucus member on the budget panel, expressed concerns that the proposed "floors" for spending cuts would become the "ceilings," limiting actual savings.

Norman suggested a starting point of $2 to $3 trillion in cuts, significantly higher than leadership's offer. He argued that anything less signals a lack of seriousness about fiscal responsibility. This disagreement within the Republican party, coupled with expected Democratic opposition, could derail the bill entirely. Deeper cuts also risk alienating Republicans in districts reliant on the potentially targeted funding. Democrats have criticized Republicans' pursuit of spending cuts, accusing them of targeting Social Security and Medicare, a claim GOP leaders deny.

Despite the challenges, some Republicans remain optimistic. Rep. Ben Cline acknowledged the need for a conservative starting point, recognizing the Senate's differing priorities regarding fiscal responsibility. Speaker Johnson aims to pass an initial House version by the end of February, with Congressional leaders hoping for final passage by May. He emphasized the need to find savings to offset the cost of extending the Trump-era tax cuts, a key component of the Republican agenda.