President Donald Trump is facing internal discord among congressional Republicans over the details of his proposed tax, regulation, and spending cuts bill. GOP leaders are looking to Trump for guidance, but the president has remained noncommittal, urging Congress for results without specifying the specifics. This lack of clarity is frustrating Republicans as time slips away without progress on their key agenda, despite their party’s control in Washington.

Speaker Mike Johnson aims for House passage of the legislation by April, but delays have prompted the Senate, led by Majority Leader John Thune, to propose a two-step approach. The first step involves a smaller bill for priorities like the U.S.-Mexico border wall and deportation plans, followed by a larger package of tax break extensions. Senator Lindsey Graham is pushing for a $300 billion initial bill focusing on border security and defense spending, funded by rolling back green energy programs.

While some hard-line conservatives advocate for significant tax cuts and spending reductions, House Republicans are divided over the best approach. The House Freedom Caucus seeks more aggressive savings targets compared to the leadership’s proposals. There is disagreement over the scale of spending reductions, with some viewing the $2.5 trillion target as ambitious. Achieving consensus is crucial for passing any bill, especially given the narrow Republican majority in the Senate.

President Trump’s emphasis is on achieving policy goals rather than the congressional process, highlighting the complex dynamics at play as Republicans navigate conflicting priorities and pressures in advancing their legislative agenda.