EXCLUSIVE: House GOP’s Republican Study Committee Draws Red Line on Budget Reconciliation Plan
Leaders within the House of Representatives’ largest caucus, the Republican Study Committee (RSC), have formed a unified stance on budget reconciliation plans, stating that any such plan must ultimately lead to reductions in the U.S. deficit.
The RSC’s steering group, led by Rep. August Pfluger, met behind closed doors at the House Republicans’ annual retreat at the Trump National Doral golf course in Florida to hammer out their position. The group, which acts as the House GOP’s “think tank” on policy matters, has been negotiating for weeks on how to use their limited majorities in the House and Senate to pass massive conservative policy changes through the budget reconciliation process.
The committee’s official position, obtained by Fox News Digital, states that reconciliation legislation “must reduce the federal budget deficit.” The statement adds that “our national security depends on our ability to bring about meaningful fiscal reform.”
The RSC’s stance comes as Speaker Mike Johnson announced plans for a House-wide vote on an initial budget resolution in late February. The Speaker expects the final product to be deficit-neutral or better.
Other key points from the committee’s position include:
* Reconciliation legislation must lead to reductions in the federal budget deficit.
* The national security of the United States depends on achieving meaningful fiscal reform.
* Aggressive action is necessary to reduce the deficit and promote a growing economy.
The committee’s stance may have implications for the reconciliation process, as President Donald Trump has outlined specific policies he wants Republicans to include in their legislation, such as no taxes on tips or overtime pay and more funding for the U.S.-Mexico border. However, these proposals could add to the federal deficit without significant spending cuts.
The U.S. is currently running a cumulative deficit of $710 billion in fiscal year 2025, with federal revenues decreasing by 2% compared to the same period last year.
