Tom Emmer calls for urgency in Senate GOP actions
House Majority Whip Tom Emmer is urging Senate Republicans to move quickly on President Donald Trump's legislative agenda. He believes Congress needs to act with more urgency to fulfill the president's priorities. Emmer expressed concern that the Senate has not reached an agreement on a key budget blueprint. This blueprint is essential for the upcoming tax and spending bill. While Senate Republicans have made progress in confirming the president's nominees, Emmer warns that they should not delay passing important legislation. Emmer noted that some senators have suggested they might not address the budget until August. He emphasized that the American people are expecting action before the midterm elections. “They need to get a little urgency under their backside,” he said. The House and Senate have submitted competing budget resolutions, showing different strategies for passing Trump’s agenda. Trump favors the House’s plan, which includes all his priorities in one large bill. Emmer is hoping for a compromise resolution during Congress’s next work period, targeting completion of the reconciliation bill by April or early May. Senate Majority Whip John Barrasso has also assured that the reconciliation will be completed soon. GOP lawmakers are seeking to boost funding for immigration enforcement and make Trump’s tax cuts permanent, which are set to expire in 2025. However, discussions on fiscal policy are heated. Some budget hawks are concerned about the impact of a permanent extension on the national deficit. Emmer urged party members to honor Trump’s campaign promises and ensure these tax cuts become permanent. The clash over spending and budget strategies is expected to dominate Congress's agenda in the coming months. Emmer plans to keep House Republicans aligned on these goals as they move forward.