WASHINGTON, D.C. – Speaker Mike Johnson participated in a discussion at the Americans for Prosperity (AFP) Freedom Embassy, where he outlined House Republicans’ agenda, the budget reconciliation process, and the role of grassroots activism in shaping economic policy. The event, moderated by Fox News’ Guy Benson, highlighted the GOP’s legislative priorities heading into the 2024 election.
House Republicans’ Legislative Focus
During the discussion, Johnson emphasized the importance of budget reconciliation as a tool to bypass the Senate’s 60-vote threshold and implement conservative economic policies. He pointed to tax policy as a critical area for action, particularly the extension of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA), originally passed under the Trump administration.
“The reconciliation process is the key to getting [our agenda] done,” Johnson said. “We’ll use it to check a lot of the boxes of the promises we made—cutting taxes, reducing regulations, and ensuring small businesses have the certainty they need to grow.”
Johnson also addressed inflation, attributing rising consumer costs to government policies and regulatory burdens. He stressed that economic growth and stability require reducing federal intervention in business.
Budget Reconciliation as a Legislative Tool
Expanding on reconciliation, Johnson underscored its urgency for extending tax cuts that are set to expire at the end of 2025. He argued that failing to act now would create uncertainty for small businesses and investors.
“We need to do this early in the process, not wait until the end of the year,” he said. “If you’re a small business owner, this is a very challenging time because you don’t know what to expect. My job is to find the equilibrium between the two sides and advance conservative principles while securing 218 votes in the House.”
House Budget Resolution and Long-Term Strategy
Johnson invoked former President Ronald Reagan to frame the GOP’s approach to governance, stating that major policy shifts take time.
“It took us decades to get into the situation we’re in,” he said. “It is not likely that we’re going to fix everything in one bill, but if we can change the trajectory, we can turn things around.”
He expressed confidence that a consistent conservative approach to economic policy would solidify the Republican Party’s position in Congress for years to come.
The Role of Grassroots Advocacy
Addressing AFP’s activists, Johnson highlighted the importance of voter engagement and direct communication with lawmakers.
“The grassroots component is critical,” he said. “Let your representatives in Washington know how these policies impact you. Share your personal stories—how tax cuts helped your business, how inflation has affected your family, how border policies impact your community.”
He emphasized that personal testimonies, backed by AFP’s organizing efforts, could influence policymakers and drive legislative outcomes.
Looking Ahead
The event reinforced the GOP’s focus on economic policy and deregulation heading into 2024. Johnson and his colleagues aim to leverage budget reconciliation to extend tax cuts, reduce regulatory burdens, and stimulate economic growth, positioning these issues at the center of Republican policy proposals in the coming election cycle.