The Playbook Podcast February 14, 2025: One ‘big, beautiful bill’ takes one big leap forward
Feb 14, 2025
Rachael Bade, POLITICO Capitol bureau chief and insightful columnist, joins to unpack the recent approval of a massive GOP budget plan. She highlights the clash between the House's one-bill strategy and the Senate's two-bill approach. The discussion turns to the implications of budget cuts for Medicaid and their potential effect on voter sentiment. Additionally, they address the shakeup within the Justice Department following controversial decisions that have set the stage for political drama.
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Premature Celebration
- House Republicans celebrated the approval of their budget plan, but face challenges ahead.
- The Senate has a different approach, and centrist Republicans are concerned about the extent of proposed cuts.
Medicaid Cuts Risk
- Proposed Medicaid cuts pose a risk for Republicans, including potential backlash from Trump supporters who rely on the program.
- Trump has expressed concerns about cutting benefits, despite his focus on reducing government spending.
Budget Reconciliation Challenges
- The Senate and House have differing approaches to budget reconciliation, with the Senate focused on border security.
- Senate Republicans want Trump tax cut extensions to be permanent, potentially conflicting with the House's plan.