House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, alongside Speaker Mike Johnson, House Majority Whip Tom Emmer, Conference Chairwoman Lisa McClain, and Congressman Troy Downing, addressed the commencement of the budget reconciliation committee markup process. This initiative aims to advance an America First agenda during President Trump’s second term.
Scalise emphasized the importance of budget reconciliation in reducing energy costs, preventing tax hikes, securing borders, strengthening the military, and supporting small businesses. He criticized Democrats for not collaborating with Republicans on these measures.
Scalise stated: “Well, anybody who’s been following since the day President Trump took the oath of office for this second term knows that President Donald Trump has been working nonstop at a feverish pace to deliver results for the American people.”
The reconciliation process begins with seven committees working this week and another four next week. Scalise noted that this effort has been a year in preparation: “This is not something that happened overnight.”
Addressing Democratic opposition, Scalise remarked: “These are not just campaign promises that Donald Trump talked about on a campaign trail… If Congress takes no action, there would be a four-and-a-half trillion dollar tax hike on families.”
He further commented on Democrats’ resistance: “If you listen to Democrats who are all going to vote no on this package… they just want to obstruct everything.”
Highlighting Republican efforts under an America First agenda, Scalise praised President Trump’s executive actions resulting in reduced illegal border crossings and deportations. He criticized Democrats for opposing these measures and their lack of leadership.
On energy production and military competitiveness, Scalise said: “They don’t want to produce more American energy. But the good news is we do… We’re also going to make our military more competitive.”
Reflecting on Trump’s first 100 days back in office, Scalise stated: “We can actually fix all of these problems without any Democrat support… President Trump is resolute in fighting for those hardworking families who have been struggling.”
Scalise concluded by contrasting Republican achievements with Democratic opposition: “This is a Congress of leadership and action working with a President who’s probably done more in 100 days than any other president we’ve ever seen.”
