WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) — House Republicans are vowing 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 were still being worked out but the goal was to pass bills on immigration reform, extending Trump’s tax cuts and making drastic cuts to federal spending by Easter say goodbye.
“Our members are ready to get to work,” said House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.).
Republicans hold slim majorities in both the House and Senate, meaning almost every Republican legislature has to keep up when passing legislation.
Trump has directed the Senate to operate the reconciliation process to pass bills in the upper house without the assist of Senate Democrats.
On Tuesday, Trump told reporters he was open to passing a 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 set priorities to include in the final bill and determine where across federal agencies to cut spending.
Trump is scheduled to meet with Senate Republicans on Wednesday to discuss further plans, which could include abolishing the Department of Education. During his election campaign, Trump promised to dissolve the federal agency and transfer oversight of schools to local authorities.
Rep. Greg Murphy (R-N.C.) expressed support for the effort.
“We don’t need a centralized government telling states how to educate their children,” Murphy said.
Murphy also supports reducing federal funding for diversity, equity and inclusion grants and green energy initiatives.
Democrats vow to fight back.
Rep. Terri Sewell (D-Ala.) said she was worried Republicans would harm federal programs that millions of Americans rely on, including SNAP, the Affordable Care Act and entitlement programs like Medicare and Social Security.
“Americans pay into Social Security. She should be there when they need her most,” Sewell said.
On Tuesday, Speaker Johnson told reporters that Republicans are not approaching budget negotiations with the “intent” of cutting Social Security or Medicare benefits.
