WASHINGTON (AP) — On Wednesday, House Republicans unveiled a budget proposal aimed at advancing key domestic initiatives of President Donald Trump. This plan includes provisions for tax cuts totaling up to $4.5 trillion and a $4 trillion increase in the debt ceiling, enabling the U.S. government to continue meeting its financial obligations.

The proposed budget instructs various House committees to identify at least $1.5 trillion in spending cuts, with an overarching target to reduce expenditures by $2 trillion over the next decade.

This budget framework marks the initial phase of a protracted legislative journey, allowing Republicans to pursue their objectives with a simple majority vote. The House Budget Committee is anticipated to conduct votes on the proposal on Thursday, with House Speaker Mike Johnson expressing confidence that it will progress smoothly through the committee.

“We will collaborate with all members throughout the week to ensure their support,” Johnson stated.

While Johnson has laid out an ambitious timeline for advancing the resolution and related legislation, there are conflicting views within the Republican conference regarding the extent of the proposed tax cuts and spending reductions. Some members are advocating for deeper tax cuts, while others desire more substantial spending reductions.

“There will be extensive negotiations,” Johnson remarked. “There are many moving components, but our aim is to fulfill all of the president’s campaign promises and comprehensive agenda, and we have the time to do so.”

Budget resolutions typically outline priorities, and this 45-page document goes beyond a mere policy synopsis. It directs House committees to reorganize federal funding allocations, focusing on significant cuts to social services, particularly Medicaid, to achieve substantial savings.

The Energy and Commerce Committee, responsible for healthcare spending, has been tasked with reducing expenditures by $880 billion over the next decade. The Education and Workforce Committee is expected to cut $330 billion, while the Agriculture Committee aims to save $230 billion. Additionally, the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee must identify at least $10 billion in savings through 2034.

Despite some programs facing cuts, funds would be redirected to support other Trump administration priorities, including a $100 billion increase in defense spending over the next ten years, facilitated through the Armed Services Committee, along with an additional $90 billion for the Homeland Security Department aimed at advancing significant immigration enforcement initiatives.

Democrats in the House have voiced strong opposition to the budget proposal.

Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer and House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries held a press briefing where they accused Republicans of neglecting to address cost reductions for average Americans since taking control of the presidency and both legislative chambers.

“Their primary goal appears to be implementing massive tax breaks for wealthy donors and corporations,” Jeffries asserted. “That’s the essence of the Republican budget.”

Concerns among Democrats also revolve around potential reductions to the safety net. Representative Brendan Boyle, the leading Democrat on the House Budget Committee, remarked that the proposed tax cuts are unlikely to generate sufficient economic growth to cover their costs, leading to cuts in essential programs like Medicaid.

“This plan exacerbates the deficit while burdening the middle class, either through increased prices, drastic cuts to crucial services, or both,” stated the Philadelphia representative.

Republicans assert they do not intend to strip benefits from Medicaid recipients. However, they are contemplating imposing work requirements on able-bodied participants as a condition of receiving benefits.

“Incorporating work requirements into Medicaid is a rational approach,” Johnson explained. “Such measures can significantly impact both the budgeting process and public morale. Work is beneficial—it instills a sense of dignity.”

To help offset some of the costs associated with maintaining the tax cuts enacted during Trump’s first term, Republicans are also considering the elimination of certain clean-energy tax credits that were supported and implemented under former President Joe Biden.

As House Republicans move forward, Senate Republicans are targeting a more limited agenda, concentrating on enhancing border security and defense funding.

The Republican Party has been deliberating since last year whether to consolidate most of Trump’s agenda into one or two legislative packages. Currently, the Senate is pursuing a dual-bill approach, while the House is leaning towards a single-bill strategy, leaving the final outcome uncertain.

The Senate Budget Committee passed its streamlined budget plan in a party-line vote on Wednesday. This version would allocate $175 billion for border security, $150 billion for defense, and $20 billion for the Coast Guard, omitting any extension of tax cuts to be addressed in a subsequent measure later this year.

Senator Lindsey Graham, chair of the committee, highlighted that many Americans support the deportation of illegal immigrants, noting that Immigration and Customs Enforcement is nearing funding limitations. He emphasized the necessity for additional agents and detention facilities to facilitate these deportation efforts.

“Time is of the essence,” the South Carolina Republican stressed. “Our nation is at risk in numerous ways, both domestically and abroad.”

Republicans dismissed a series of Democratic amendments aimed at exempting Medicaid and the nutrition assistance program known as SNAP from budget cuts. Senator Jeff Merkley, the leading Democrat on the committee, argued that these amendments were designed to prevent the current legislative process from increasing costs associated with healthcare and other essential services for Americans.

“American families should be concerned,” he warned as the debate neared its conclusion.