Top Republicans are divided on whether to advance President-elect Donald Trump’s agenda in the new Congress through one comprehensive bill or split major issues across two smaller bills. Ways and Means Chair Jason Smith is advocating for one large bill that includes making Trump’s tax cuts permanent and extended. On the other hand, Senate Majority Leader John Thune is pushing for two separate bills, with border security and energy policy addressed first, and tax cuts later. The decision on the approach to take depends on considerations like Senate rules limiting reconciliation bills to taxes and spending, as well as the need to maintain a slim House majority. The division among Republicans also extends to rank-and-file members, with some favoring one package for each fiscal year and others supporting a single comprehensive reconciliation package. The main priorities for many Republicans are securing the border and avoiding tax hikes, but differences remain on how best to achieve these objectives. The new Congress will present an opportunity for Republicans to pass major legislation without Democratic support, but challenges in securing every Republican vote and managing the deficit impact of the bills create obstacles to the successful implementation of Trump’s agenda.
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