San Joaquin Times

On April 10, 2025, the U.S. House of Representatives approved a Trump-backed budget resolution that sets the stage for tax cuts, increasing funding for defense and border security, and energy policies. That resolution was opposed by Rep. Josh Harder D-CA-09.

The budget proposal is a Senate-approved budget resolution that Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) pushed to pass in the House. This resolution is a key step in advancing President Trump's legislative agenda, which includes tax cuts, border security funding, and energy policy reforms, according to the New York Post. The resolution would trigger the reconciliation process, allowing Republicans to bypass a filibuster in the Senate and pass major legislative measures with a simple majority.

The Republican Study Committee's 2025 budget proposal emphasizes enhancing domestic energy production by eliminating regulatory barriers and promoting the development of the nation's energy and mineral resources, according to Fox News. The proposal says that such measures would reduce inflation, create jobs, and decrease reliance on foreign energy sources.

President Trump said, “Congratulations to the House on the passage of a Bill that sets the stage for one of the Greatest and Most Important Signings in the History of our Country. Among many other things, it will be the Largest Tax and Regulation Cuts ever even contemplated. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!” in an April 10 post on Truth Social. 

Democrats, including Rep. Harder, were unified against the budget proposal, according to the House Clerk Roll Call.

Josh Harder has represented California's 9th congressional district since 2023, after previously serving the 10th district from 2019 to 2023, according to his House website. Before entering Congress, he worked in venture capital and taught business at Modesto Junior College.