The U.S. House has advanced significant tax and border security legislation, addressed federal workforce directives, and navigated internal partisan dynamics.
In the past 24 hours, the U.S. House of Representatives has been actively engaged in legislative actions focusing on tax reforms, federal workforce directives, and trade policies. Key developments include:
- Advancement of Tax Reform and Border Security Legislation:
The House Budget Committee approved a framework for President Donald Trump’s comprehensive legislative agenda, which includes significant tax cuts and enhanced border security measures. The resolution permits the tax-writing committee to increase the deficit by $4.5 trillion over the next decade, proposes $2 trillion in spending cuts, and allocates $300 billion for border security and defense. This move aims to facilitate the passage of the agenda through the House by the end of the month, despite internal disagreements and delays. nypost.com - Debate Over Extension of 2017 Tax Cuts:
Republican leaders in Congress are advocating for the permanent extension of President Trump’s 2017 tax cuts without implementing substantial spending reductions. Senate Finance Committee Chairman Mike Crapo and House Ways & Means Committee Chairman Jason Smith argue that maintaining these tax cuts will not significantly impact federal revenues. However, independent analysts estimate that such an extension could add $4.8 trillion to the national debt over the next decade. Democrats criticize this approach as fiscally irresponsible, while some Republicans insist that any tax cuts should be offset by corresponding spending cuts. reuters.com - Directive to Terminate Probationary Federal Employees:
The Office of Personnel Management has instructed federal agencies to dismiss all probationary employees, a directive that could affect over 200,000 workers. This action follows a previous call to remove probationary employees who do not meet high-performance standards. The directive has sparked discussions about its potential impact on federal workforce morale and operational efficiency. theguardian.com - Health Incident Involving Representative John Larson:
Connecticut Representative John Larson experienced a complex partial seizure while delivering a speech on the House floor. The 76-year-old congressman paused abruptly during his remarks and exhibited involuntary movements. Medical evaluations attributed the seizure to a heart valve replacement surgery he underwent 15 years ago. Larson has been prescribed medication to prevent future incidents and plans to resume his duties promptly. apnews.com - Speaker Mike Johnson’s Response to Partisan Criticism:
House Speaker Mike Johnson addressed sharp criticisms from Democratic Representative Jim McGovern, who labeled him a “Trump shill” during negotiations to prevent a government shutdown. Johnson dismissed the remarks, attributing them to Democratic frustration and emphasizing the Republican Party’s commitment to advancing its legislative agenda. This exchange highlights the ongoing partisan tensions within the House as both parties navigate complex policy negotiations. nypost.com
Bibliography:
- “House GOP advances framework for Trump’s ‘big, beautiful’ tax and border bill amid delays, sharp divisions.” New York Post, February 13, 2025. nypost.com
- “To extend Trump’s 2017 tax cuts, Republicans seek to overlook the cost.” Reuters, February 14, 2025. reuters.com
- “Trump administration directs federal agencies to fire all probationary employees – as it happened.” The Guardian, February 13, 2025. theguardian.com
- “Connecticut Rep. John Larson says a complex partial seizure caused him to stop speech on House floor.” Associated Press, February 14, 2025. apnews.com
- “Speaker Mike Johnson savages Dem Rep. Jim McGovern who called him a Trump ‘shill’ – in the most Southern way.” New York Post, February 11, 2025. nypost.com
