February 14, 2025: One ‘big, beautiful bill’ takes one big leap forward
Feb 14, 2025
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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.
The podcast underscores the stark tension within the GOP as House Republicans support a significant budget proposal while facing Senate opposition and centrist concerns about potential Medicaid cuts.
It highlights the implications of Trump's workforce reduction strategy, revealing political turbulence within the government as key officials resign amid perceived political interference in the Justice Department.
Deep dives
Trump's Impact on Global Security Dynamics
The podcast discusses the significant changes in global order brought about by Donald Trump's influence, particularly evident at the Munich Security Conference. U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth expressed skepticism about Ukraine's prospects for a favorable peace deal, indicating a potential reduction of U.S. military presence in Europe. Meanwhile, Trump’s direct dialogue with Russian President Vladimir Putin raises concerns among U.S. allies about the future of European stability. This shift is causing apprehension among European partners who are trying to navigate a landscape reshaped by Trump's administration.
Federal Workforce Reductions and Resignations
The podcast highlights Trump's aggressive approach toward federal workforce reduction, with thousands of employees laid off across several government agencies. This initiative appears to be the beginning of more extensive cuts, as additional agencies finalize their workforce reduction plans. High-profile resignations in the Justice Department, particularly the acting U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, signal dissatisfaction with directives perceived as political interference. These developments indicate a turbulent period in government as Trump seeks to reshape its operational structure.
Challenges Within House Republican Leadership
House Republicans are rallying around Speaker Mike Johnson's budget proposal, yet significant challenges remain, particularly regarding the Senate's different stance. Key issues arise from centrist Republicans' concerns about proposed cuts, including a substantial reduction to Medicaid that could adversely affect many constituents. The internal dynamics within the GOP highlight a tension between conservative demands for deep cuts and the political risks they pose, especially for those in swing districts. This ongoing debate over budgetary priorities suggests that the road ahead for Trump's legislative agenda will be fraught with contention and negotiation.
Late last night, the House Budget Committee approved GOP leadership’s voluminous one-bill budget plan — a giant step toward fulfilling President Donald Trump’s policy agenda, but one that sets them up for collision with the Senate GOP’s two-bill approach. But launching it out of committee may have been the easy part. Where do things go from here? POLITICO Capitol bureau chief and “Corridors” columnist Rachael Bade joins Playbook deputy editor Zack Stanton to walk through it all. Plus, the Trump administration axes thousands of government employees, and the Justice Department sees major resignations after ordering prosecutors to drop bribery charges against New York City Mayor Eric Adams.
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