Rep. Byron Donalds (R-FL) is increasingly frustrating many of his fellow House Republicans by challenging House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) regarding the strategy to advance President Donald Trump's agenda, according to The Daily Beast.
This tension arises as both the House and Senate grapple with how to effectively navigate the legislative calendar. The House, along with Trump, is advocating for a comprehensive bill that encompasses energy, border security, and tax cuts, aiming to use it as leverage for a significant deal with the far-right Freedom Caucus. In contrast, the Senate prefers to separate the tax cuts into a distinct bill to enhance the likelihood that at least part of Trump's agenda will be enacted.
An anonymous GOP lawmaker has expressed frustration with Byron Donalds, claiming he is becoming increasingly disruptive by criticizing Speaker Johnson for the slow legislative progress. The lawmaker stated, “Byron Donalds is increasingly being disrespectful towards the speaker. He’s upset about the pace and is echoing [Rep.] Chip [Roy]. While I understand the need to express concerns, his rudeness is unnecessary,” adding that Donalds exhibited similar behavior during the House GOP retreat at Trump’s property in Miami.
Donalds, a prominent pro-Trump figure contemplating a gubernatorial bid in Florida, responded to these criticisms by saying, “Everyone is feeling the pressure. If they view my straightforward discussions with leadership as impolite, rather than engaging in superficial camaraderie, that’s their perspective.”
Moreover, Donalds is not the only one angry about the lack of progress, with another lawmaker telling the Beast, “This isn’t rocket science,” and they're sick of “listening sessions over and over and over again” from House GOP leadership.
As all of this is unfolding, Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC), who is handling much of the budget talks on the Senate side, has unveiled his own proposal for a $300 billion budget resolution on defense and the border.
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