WASHINGTON (AP) — House Republicans, led by President Donald Trump, achieved a milestone on Tuesday by passing the GOP budget blueprint. The plan includes $4.5 trillion in tax breaks and $2 trillion in spending cuts, facing significant opposition from Democrats and some Republicans.

House Speaker Mike Johnson faced a tight margin with his slim GOP majority, but managed to secure a 217-215 vote, with one Republican breaking ranks. Trump personally intervened by calling wavering GOP members and hosting them at the White House to rally support for the bill.

The passage of the budget blueprint is seen as a crucial step in the process. Trump aims to extend expiring tax breaks from his first term while implementing substantial spending cuts across federal programs. The road ahead involves weeks of committee hearings to fine-tune the details and pass the House version to the Senate.

In the midst of these developments, backlash is emerging over the actions of billionaire Trump adviser Elon Musk, who is downsizing federal agencies by firing thousands of workers nationwide. This has sparked backlash from voters, who are voicing their concerns at town hall meetings.

Despite the progress made by Republicans, challenges lie ahead. Some GOP lawmakers are hesitant about the proposed cuts, especially significant reductions to programs like Medicaid and food stamps that directly impact their constituents. There are concerns about the potential impact on communities and livelihoods.

Key conservative figures are also wary of the budget’s implications on the national debt, which currently stands at $36 trillion. They caution that the cost of tax breaks outweighing spending cuts could further strain the country’s finances.

Democrats have strongly criticized the budget blueprint, labeling it as a “betrayal” and a “Republican rip-off”. They argue that the plan disproportionately benefits the wealthy and undermines essential social programs. The House and Senate Democrats are committed to opposing the legislation every step of the way.

As the House GOP navigates the complexities of the budget process, tensions over the scale of cuts and economic projections continue to loom. The coming weeks will be critical in shaping the final package, as lawmakers strive to strike a balance between fiscal responsibility and meeting the needs of American communities.

AP writers Leah Askarinam and Stephen Groves contributed to this report. Stay updated on developments in the U.S. House of Representatives at: [insert relevant link].