The Fiscal Year 2025 House budget resolution passed by a razor-thin margin on Tuesday night, 217-215, and one of the votes that put the Republican leadership-backed spending plan over the top was supplied by Congressman Jeff Van Drew (R, NJ-02)
“As much as I wanted to see a different budget resolution, I ultimately voted for it because it is essential to move the budget process forward so real negotiations can begin,” EXPLAINED Congressman Van Drew. “Americans made it clear they want a better budget—one that reins in spending while protecting the services families rely on. Let me be clear: I will not cut Medicare, Social Security, or Medicaid. As we head into the next phase, I will fight like hell to ensure we safeguard these critical programs while also addressing our deficit, ensuring President Trump’s agenda can be funded, and cutting wasteful spending. I have had numerous one-on-one conversations with President Trump on this matter, and he shares my philosophy—these programs must be protected for the low-income families, seniors, and individuals with disabilities who rely on them. President Trump and I are on the exact same page on this important issue.
The controversial proposal extends President Trump’s 2017 tax cuts via a $4.5 trillion investment, increased certain border and military spending by a few hundred million, but cuts spending elsewhere by $1 trillion to $2 trillion.
Every House Democrat opposed the bill; Congressman Thomas Massie of Kentucky was the sole Republican no vote.
“Unfortunately, there has been some misinformation circulating about this budget resolution,” Van Drew added. “The facts are simple: the resolution does not cut Medicare benefits, Social Security is fully protected, and there are no cuts to Medicaid. Furthermore, this resolution is not a law—it is a non-binding framework that sets broad budgetary goals. No actual changes to Medicare, Social Security, or Medicaid can happen through a budget resolution alone. Any real cuts would require separate legislation, which I would vehemently oppose.
“I will always fight to protect the programs that Americans depend on while working to ensure our nation remains fiscally responsible and economically strong.”
