WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) — House Republicans are pledging to “hit the ground running” to pass key parts of President-elect Donald Trump’s legislative agenda.
On Tuesday, House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-La.) told reporters that details are still being finalized, but the goal is to pass bills tackling immigration reform, expanding Trump’s tax cuts, and drastically cutting federal spending by Easter.
“Our members are ready to get to work,” said House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.).
Republicans hold narrow majorities in both the House and Senate, meaning nearly every GOP lawmaker needs to be aligned to pass legislation.
Trump has instructed the Senate to use the reconciliation process to pass bills in the upper chamber without the help of Senate Democrats.
On Tuesday, Trump told reporters he is open to passing one comprehensive bill or breaking it into parts to ensure immigration policy is addressed quickly.
This week, House and Senate Republicans are meeting on Capitol Hill to prioritize what will make the final draft and determine where to cut spending across federal agencies.
On Wednesday, Trump is scheduled to meet with Senate Republicans to further discuss plans, which could include eliminating the Department of Education. Trump campaigned on a promise to dismantle the federal agency and shift oversight of schools to local authorities.
Rep. Greg Murphy (R-N.C.) expressed his support for the effort.
“We don’t need a centralized government telling states how to educate their children,” Murphy said.
Murphy also backs cutting federal funding for diversity, equity and inclusion grants and green energy initiatives.
Democrats are vowing to fight back.
Rep. Terri Sewell (D-Ala.) said she is concerned Republicans will harm federal programs millions of Americans rely on, including SNAP, the Affordable Care Act, and entitlement programs such as Medicare and Social Security.
“Americans pay into Social Security. It should be there when they need it most,” Sewell said.
On Tuesday, Speaker Johnson told reporters that Republicans are not approaching the budget discussions with the “intention” of cutting Social Security or Medicare benefits.
