Congress’s Bold Plan: Tax Cuts, Border Security, and More Unveiled!

Congress is working hard on a big plan that includes tax cuts, spending cuts, and more money to stop illegal immigration. House Speaker Mike Johnson wants this plan done by Memorial Day, but it’s not easy, according to Republican Rep. Jason Smith. Some parts of the plan are tricky, especially the tax cuts and cuts to things like Medicaid and food stamps, but they have made progress on adding more funding, especially for the military and border security.

There are 11 House committees putting together their pieces of the plan, with about half already finished. Most of the votes so far have been along party lines, with Republicans saying yes and Democrats saying no. Some important committees, like Ways and Means and Energy and Commerce, haven’t voted yet.

If they get everything done, all the pieces will come together to create one big bill, which President Trump calls a “beautiful bill.” The House will say yes or no to this bill before sending it to the Senate, where they are making their own version, aiming for a final product by July 4.

Key Points of the Plan:
– Border Security Funding: The plan includes $46.5 billion to restart building Trump’s wall between the U.S. and Mexico and adds thousands of new border officers.
– Military Spending: The military would get $150 billion, including $25 billion for a missile defense program and $21 billion to restock weapons supply.
– Changes in Student Loans: The student loan program will change to have just two repayment plans. One is based on income and could mean higher payments for some people.
– Federal Employee Pensions: There are changes suggested that might lower pension payments for federal workers, saying their benefits are better than those in the private sector.
– Drilling and Mining: The plan would make it easier for companies to drill, mine, and log public lands, with reduced fees and taxes for these activities.

Republicans believe these changes will help, while Democrats say they plan to fight against what they call an extreme plan.