GOP lawmakers' next budget reconciliation package must include tax provisions, House Ways and Means Chair Jason Smith, R-Mo., told Politico.
Smith's comments signal that House Republicans are already looking beyond their latest legislative victories and toward another opportunity to advance President Donald Trump's economic agenda, even as lawmakers prepare to vote on a major immigration enforcement package.
"I won't support it unless tax is in it," Smith told Politico, delivering a clear message to GOP leaders navigating a narrow House majority and competing priorities within the conference.
House Republicans are exploring what could be included in a third reconciliation bill, with discussions focusing on cracking down on waste, fraud, and abuse in federal programs, streamlining energy permitting, and reviving tax proposals that were left out of previous legislation.
Smith said he has a list of tax priorities ready to advance once House leadership confirms tax policy will be part of the package.
"I'd love for the speaker to say tax is going to be a part of it," Smith told Politico.
The Missouri Republican's push comes as House Republicans highlight what they say is the success of the recently enacted Working Families Tax Cuts package, which GOP leaders argue is providing direct relief to middle-class Americans struggling with the cost-of-living crisis inherited from the Biden administration.
According to a new Treasury Department analysis highlighted by the Ways and Means Committee, nearly 70% of Americans receiving tax relief under key provisions earn less than $100,000 annually, while 96% earn less than $200,000.
The report found more than 7.5 million Americans have benefited from the "No Tax on Tips" provision, 29 million have claimed deductions under "No Tax on Overtime," and more than 35 million seniors have utilized expanded Social Security tax relief.
"Republicans kept our promise to provide tax relief for working families, tipped workers, seniors, and job creators," Smith said in a statement.
He accused Democrats of voting against measures designed to help working-class Americans while supporting policies that fueled inflation and higher costs.
Republicans also point to improving economic indicators as evidence their approach is working.
Following the latest jobs report showing the economy added 172,000 jobs in May, Smith said pro-growth tax policies are encouraging investment, manufacturing expansion, and job creation.
"Private businesses are driving job growth," Smith said, noting manufacturing gained 7,000 jobs and inflation has fallen significantly from levels seen during the Biden administration.
While some Republicans worry that adding tax provisions could expose Senate GOP members to politically difficult amendment votes, Smith's position underscores the importance many conservatives place on extending and expanding Trump's tax agenda.
With Republicans focused on economic growth, tax relief, and government efficiency, Smith made clear that any future reconciliation effort will need a strong tax component to earn his support.