Republicans Grapple With Trump’s Position on Package for Tax Cuts and Spending

Republicans are divided on a strategy to move the Trump administration’s agenda, and some want more input from President-elect Donald Trump, while others are fine to hash it out on their own.

Before Republicans can knuckle down and fully develop what will and won’t move through the filibuster-proof budget reconciliation process, they need to know whether they have one colossal bill to work with, or if they can divide Mr. Trump’s agenda between two bills.

Congressional leaders are split on which approach to take. Mr. Trump has waded into the congressional back and forth over the last few days, but has not taken a firm position with either side.

“I like one big, beautiful bill and I always have, I always will,” Mr. Trump said on Tuesday. “If two is more certain, it does go a little bit quicker because you can do the immigration stuff early.”

Senate Majority Leader John Thune, South Dakota Republican, and some in his conference want to take the two-bill track, which could move key items in Mr. Trump’s agenda, like border security funding, much faster. (Read more from “Republicans Grapple With Trump’s Position on Package for Tax Cuts and Spending” HERE)