Republicans defend budget legislation as economic plan to make life more affordable amid fierce partisan battle over social program cuts

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent found himself in an unexpected position Friday morning, facing a challenging question from — of all people — a Fox News anchor. The budget bill passed by the House this week “adds trillions to our debt,” Fox’s Bill Hemmer noted. “How is that acceptable to this administration?”

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The House budget bill that narrowly passed in an early morning vote on Thursday would effectively put the brakes on a clean energy production boom in the United States spurred by subsidies enacted in 2022.

President Trump met with holdouts again Wednesday as leaders ramp up their efforts to build support around the bill.

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The GOP-backed One Big Beautiful Bill Act includes some big changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.

The LA City Council approved a revised budget to close its deficit, which also reduced layoffs from roughly 1,600 to about 600.

A proposed $1.16 billion budget for the Houston Police Department includes $49 million to cover the first-year costs of officer pay raises along with a significant boost to homeland security in preparation for the 2026 World Cup.

Minnesota lawmakers reached a budget framework agreement. However, Stearns County worries cost shifts might impact local property taxes.

Yields on government debt have risen as Congress weighs Trump’s budget plan. Meanwhile, interest on the debt is approaching $1 trillion a year – on par with proposed Defense spending.