Mike Johnson’s Push for a Second Reconciliation Bill Falls Flat at Republicans’ Retreat

“I don’t see a path,” Rep. Jason Smith, the chair of the House Ways and Means Committee, told NOTUS.

House Speaker Mike Johnson stops to speak with reporters.

House Speaker Mike Johnson has been pushing for a second reconciliation bill. Francis Chung/POLITICO/AP

DORAL, Fla. — House Speaker Mike Johnson wants to usher through another reconciliation bill ahead of the midterms. House Republicans aren’t optimistic that it’s possible.

On Tuesday, House Republicans debated whether to pursue a second partisan budget bill as part of their policy retreat at President Donald Trump’s golf resort in Doral, Florida.

During one meeting, Rep. Jason Smith, the chair of the House Ways and Means Committee, told his colleagues that a second reconciliation bill wouldn’t be possible, two sources familiar with the conversation told NOTUS. Asked about his comments, Smith, who worked extensively on the first reconciliation package, told NOTUS he would be supportive of finding a path, but confirmed his skepticism.