US President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/donald-trump" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Donald Trump</a> has thrown his full support behind the House Republicans&rsquo; budget reconciliation plan, endorsing it on Wednesday just a day after the Senate pushed forward with its own $300 billion package.
Trump&rsquo;s backing supports House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.), who has warned that the House may ignore the Senate&rsquo;s proposal as it works to pass its own version.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet publive-iframes-block publive-Twitter-block" contenteditable="false" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-m7c3hb4h-tb8bb4i0-ol3qwyzr">
.<a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@realDonaldTrump</a> is right! House Republicans are working to deliver President Trump&rsquo;s FULL agenda - not just a small part of it. Let&rsquo;s get it done, <a href="https://twitter.com/HouseGOP?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@HouseGOP</a>! <a href="https://t.co/Hw32oLAl0z">pic.twitter.com/Hw32oLAl0z</a>
&mdash; Speaker Mike Johnson (@SpeakerJohnson) <a href="https://twitter.com/SpeakerJohnson/status/1892227769603432607?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 19, 2025</a></blockquote>
<h2>'We need both Chambers to pass the House Budget'</h2>
Praising both chambers, Trump said <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/elon-musk-reveals-this-pushed-him-to-endorse-republican-donald-trump-during-2024-us-elections-8735334">Republicans</a> were doing a "SPECTACULAR job of working together as one unified, and unbeatable, TEAM." However, he argued that while the Senate&rsquo;s plan only addresses part of his agenda, the House version covers everything.
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"However, unlike the Lindsey Graham version of the very important Legislation currently being discussed, the House Resolution implements my FULL America First Agenda, EVERYTHING, not just parts of it! We need both Chambers to pass the House Budget to 'kickstart' the Reconciliation process, and move all of our priorities to the concept of 'ONE BIG BEAUTIFUL BILL.' It will, without question, MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!" he added.
<h2>House Republicans vs. Senate Republicans</h2>
Senate Republicans, led by Senate Budget Committee Chair Lindsey Graham, have been pursuing a two-bill approach. Their plan would first focus on increasing funding for border security, energy, and defence while leaving the extension of Trump&rsquo;s 2017 tax cuts for a later date. 
Trump&rsquo;s statement came a day after Senate Majority Leader John Thune announced that the Senate would move forward with its budget framework this week. 
House Republicans, however, argue that splitting the legislation into two parts increases the risk of failure, given the GOP&rsquo;s slim majority in the chamber.
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The House budget plan would combine all these elements into a single, comprehensive bill. Speaker Johnson is expected to bring the bill to the floor next week but is still working to secure enough votes.
Johnson welcomed Trump&rsquo;s endorsement, posting on X that Trump "is right!"
"House Republicans are working to deliver President Trump&rsquo;s FULL agenda - not just a small part of it. Let&rsquo;s get it done," Johnson wrote.
(With inputs from agencies)

World: Trump’s backing supports House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.), who has warned that the House may ignore the Senate’s proposal as it works to pass its version.

US President Donald Trump has thrown his full support behind the House Republicans’ budget reconciliation plan, endorsing it on Wednesday just a day after the Senate pushed forward with its own $300 billion package. Trump’s backing supports House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.), who has warned that the House may ignore the Senate’s proposal as it works to pass its own version. .@realDonaldTrump is right! House Republicans are working to deliver President Trump’s FULL agenda - not just a small part of it. Let’s get it done, @HouseGOP! pic.twitter.com/Hw32oLAl0z — Speaker Mike Johnson (@SpeakerJohnson) February 19, 2025 'We need both Chambers to pass the House Budget' Praising both chambers, Trump said Republicans were doing a "SPECTACULAR job of working together as one unified, and unbeatable, TEAM." However, he argued that while the Senate’s plan only addresses part of his agenda, the House version covers everything. Also read: Did Biden leave NASA astronauts in space for 'political reasons'? Musk, Trump claim in joint interview "However, unlike the Lindsey Graham version of the very important Legislation currently being discussed, the House Resolution implements my FULL America First Agenda, EVERYTHING, not just parts of it! We need both Chambers to pass the House Budget to 'kickstart' the Reconciliation process, and move all of our priorities to the concept of 'ONE BIG BEAUTIFUL BILL.' It will, without question, MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!" he added. House Republicans vs. Senate Republicans Senate Republicans, led by Senate Budget Committee Chair Lindsey Graham, have been pursuing a two-bill approach. Their plan would first focus on increasing funding for border security, energy, and defence while leaving the extension of Trump’s 2017 tax cuts for a later date. Trump’s statement came a day after Senate Majority Leader John Thune announced that the Senate would move forward with its budget framework this week. House Republicans, however, argue that splitting the legislation into two parts increases the risk of failure, given the GOP’s slim majority in the chamber. Also read: ‘Unfortunate’: Zelensky slams Trump for living in ‘disinformation bubble’ after false claim on approval rating The House budget plan would combine all these elements into a single, comprehensive bill. Speaker Johnson is expected to bring the bill to the floor next week but is still working to secure enough votes. Johnson welcomed Trump’s endorsement, posting on X that Trump "is right!" "House Republicans are working to deliver President Trump’s FULL agenda - not just a small part of it. Let’s get it done," Johnson wrote. (With inputs from agencies)

'ONE BIG BEAUTIFUL BILL': Trump throws full weight behind House GOP budget plan, snubbing Senate

Flags at the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/meta-ceo-mark-zuckerberg-to-co-host-reception-for-trumps-inauguration-8623368">US Capitol</a> will be raised to full-staff on Inauguration Day before being lowered again the next day to honour the passing of former President Jimmy Carter, House Speaker Mike Johnson said.
The decision by the Republican Speaker ensures that President-elect Donald Trump&rsquo;s second inauguration will not take place under a half-mast flag, something he had previously complained about.
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&ldquo;On Jan. 20, the flags at the Capitol will fly at full-staff to celebrate our country coming together behind the inauguration of our 47th President, Donald Trump. The flags will be lowered back to half-staff the following day to continue honoring President Jimmy Carter,&rdquo; Johnson wrote on X.
Similar directives have been issued by Republican governors in at least five states, including Florida, Iowa, Alabama, Texas, and Tennessee, where US flags will also be raised to full-staff for the inauguration and lowered to half-staff on 21 January in Carter&rsquo;s memory.&nbsp;
While President Joe Biden&rsquo;s executive order mandates flag-lowering on federal properties, state governments are not legally required to follow suit, though many traditionally align with federal guidelines.
In a statement on Monday, Governor Greg Abbott (R-Texas) said, &ldquo;While we honour the service of a former president, we must also celebrate the service of an incoming President and the bright future ahead for the United States of America.&rdquo;
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Trump, five days after Carter&rsquo;s death, voiced his objections on social media regarding flags potentially being at half-staff during his inauguration. He claimed, without evidence, that Democrats were &ldquo;giddy&rdquo; at the thought.
&ldquo;In any event, because of the death of President Jimmy Carter, the Flag may, for the first time ever during an inauguration of a future President, be at half-mast. Nobody wants to see this, and no American can be happy about it. Let&rsquo;s see how it plays out,&rdquo; Trump wrote on Truth Social.
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"They think it&rsquo;s so great, and are so happy about it because, in actuality, they don&rsquo;t love our Country, they only think about themselves," he said.
"Look at what they&rsquo;ve done to our once GREAT America over the past four years - It&rsquo;s a total mess!" Trump added.
(With inputs from agencies)

World: The decision by the Republican Speaker ensures that President-elect Donald Trump’s second inauguration will not take place under a half-mast flag, something he had previously complained about.

Flags at the US Capitol will be raised to full-staff on Inauguration Day before being lowered again the next day to honour the passing of former President Jimmy Carter, House Speaker Mike Johnson said. The decision by the Republican Speaker ensures that President-elect Donald Trump’s second inauguration will not take place under a half-mast flag, something he had previously complained about. Also read: Indian govt panel recommends action against individual with 'earlier criminal links' “On Jan. 20, the flags at the Capitol will fly at full-staff to celebrate our country coming together behind the inauguration of our 47th President, Donald Trump. The flags will be lowered back to half-staff the following day to continue honoring President Jimmy Carter,” Johnson wrote on X. Similar directives have been issued by Republican governors in at least five states, including Florida, Iowa, Alabama, Texas, and Tennessee, where US flags will also be raised to full-staff for the inauguration and lowered to half-staff on 21 January in Carter’s memory. While President Joe Biden’s executive order mandates flag-lowering on federal properties, state governments are not legally required to follow suit, though many traditionally align with federal guidelines. In a statement on Monday, Governor Greg Abbott (R-Texas) said, “While we honour the service of a former president, we must also celebrate the service of an incoming President and the bright future ahead for the United States of America.” Also read: 'It's been privilege': Biden pens letter for Americans ahead of farewell speech Trump, five days after Carter’s death, voiced his objections on social media regarding flags potentially being at half-staff during his inauguration. He claimed, without evidence, that Democrats were “giddy” at the thought. “In any event, because of the death of President Jimmy Carter, the Flag may, for the first time ever during an inauguration of a future President, be at half-mast. Nobody wants to see this, and no American can be happy about it. Let’s see how it plays out,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. Also read: Pakistan was never an ally of US, technical or tactical: White House official John Kirby "They think it’s so great, and are so happy about it because, in actuality, they don’t love our Country, they only think about themselves," he said. "Look at what they’ve done to our once GREAT America over the past four years - It’s a total mess!" Trump added. (With inputs from agencies)

Flags to fly full-staff on Trump Inauguration day despite Carter mourning period

Mike Johnson retained his position as Speaker of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/win-for-mike-will-be-big-win-for-republican-party-donald-trump-endorses-mike-johnson-for-house-speaker-as-he-faces-crucial-vote-8589290">US House of Representatives</a> on Friday (January 3), but his victory margin in the first round of voting was extremely narrow.&nbsp;
Initially, it seemed Johnson might not secure the majority needed to remain speaker as three Republican members voted for other candidates during the roll-call vote. However, after extensive negotiations, two Republican members switched their votes, with one reporting a call from Donald Trump himself.
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Representative Keith Self, one of the Republicans who initially opposed Johnson, revealed he had a &ldquo;lively&rdquo; conversation with Trump, Reuters reported. According to the report, Self received assurances that members of the party's conservative wing would have a greater role in shaping key laws, particularly on tax and immigration issues.
&ldquo;We needed more input from members like myself &mdash; not a chairman, not a leadership position &mdash; and I think that&rsquo;s what we have done,&rdquo; Self told reporters.
While all Democrats supported House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Johnson ultimately secured the speakership with 218 votes, the bare minimum required. The Republicans hold a slim majority in the House, controlling it by 219-215 seats.
After the vote, Johnson promised to extend Trump&rsquo;s 2017 tax cuts, which are set to expire this year, and to reduce government regulations. &ldquo;We&rsquo;re going to drastically cut back the size and scope of government,&rdquo; Johnson declared.
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In a final pitch before the vote, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/trump-endorses-mike-johnson-ahead-of-speaker-election-good-hard-working-religious-man">Mike Johnson</a> promised fiscal reform and announced plans to establish an independent working group to review government spending. He vowed to investigate what he referred to as &ldquo;irresponsible or illegal practices&rdquo; in federal agencies and to enforce stricter oversight of expenditures.
"The American people have demanded an end to the status quo, and a return to fiscal sanity. That&rsquo;s why the citizens of our great country gave President Trump the White House and Republican control of both chambers of Congress. If we don&rsquo;t follow through on our campaign promise for fiscal responsibility, we don&rsquo;t deserve to hold power. &nbsp;The national debt is a grave threat to America&rsquo;s economic and national security &ndash; and no issue exemplifies the Congress&rsquo; failures more," he posted on X ahead of the vote.
(With inputs from agencies)

World: Initially, it seemed Johnson might not secure the majority needed to remain Speaker. However, after extensive negotiations, two Republican members switched their votes, with one reporting a call from Trump himself.

Mike Johnson retained his position as Speaker of the US House of Representatives on Friday (January 3), but his victory margin in the first round of voting was extremely narrow. Initially, it seemed Johnson might not secure the majority needed to remain speaker as three Republican members voted for other candidates during the roll-call vote. However, after extensive negotiations, two Republican members switched their votes, with one reporting a call from Donald Trump himself. Also read: Fears of extremism in military as US reels under New Year's attacks Representative Keith Self, one of the Republicans who initially opposed Johnson, revealed he had a “lively” conversation with Trump, Reuters reported. According to the report, Self received assurances that members of the party's conservative wing would have a greater role in shaping key laws, particularly on tax and immigration issues. “We needed more input from members like myself — not a chairman, not a leadership position — and I think that’s what we have done,” Self told reporters. While all Democrats supported House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Johnson ultimately secured the speakership with 218 votes, the bare minimum required. The Republicans hold a slim majority in the House, controlling it by 219-215 seats. After the vote, Johnson promised to extend Trump’s 2017 tax cuts, which are set to expire this year, and to reduce government regulations. “We’re going to drastically cut back the size and scope of government,” Johnson declared. Also read: US surgeon general calls for cancer risk warnings on alcohol In a final pitch before the vote, Mike Johnson promised fiscal reform and announced plans to establish an independent working group to review government spending. He vowed to investigate what he referred to as “irresponsible or illegal practices” in federal agencies and to enforce stricter oversight of expenditures. "The American people have demanded an end to the status quo, and a return to fiscal sanity. That’s why the citizens of our great country gave President Trump the White House and Republican control of both chambers of Congress. If we don’t follow through on our campaign promise for fiscal responsibility, we don’t deserve to hold power. The national debt is a grave threat to America’s economic and national security – and no issue exemplifies the Congress’ failures more," he posted on X ahead of the vote. (With inputs from agencies)

Intense negotiations, call from Trump: What went down before Mike Johnson's reelection as US speaker

Mike Johnson, a staunch conservative and vocal Christian who was elected as United States House of Representatives speaker last month, finds himself in a soup. An old video of him accepting the use of an app marketed as a tool to help people 'quit porn' has resurfaced on the internet.

In a year-old video clip, Johnson can be seen discussing his and his son's utilisation of Covenant Eyes, an app designed to track and monitor users' online activity across phones and computers.&nbsp;

<h2>17-year-old 'accountability partner'</h2>

In the video, which was reportedly recorded at a "War on Technology" event held by Cypress Baptist church in Louisiana in October 2022, Johnson said: "Covenant Eyes is the software that we’ve been using a long time in our household."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-is-mike-johnson-republicans-fourth-us-house-speaker-nominee-651259">Who is Mike Johnson, Republicans' fourth nominee who finally clinched Speakership?</a>

He goes on to describe how the 'subscription-based' app tracks an individual's data and sends an alert to their "accountability partner" whenever an "objectionable" website is accessed.

Johnson goes on to reveal that his 'accountability partner' was his 17-year-old son Jack, who he boasts has a "clean slate".

The pair, he said, gets a report on one another's internet use once a week, and that any objectionable material sends an immediate notification.

<h2>Does Johnson have a porn addiction?</h2>

Despite Johnson's endorsement of the app, there is no indication that he struggles with a pornography addiction.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/denied-relief-by-home-country-italy-terminally-ill-actress-opts-for-assisted-suicide-in-switzerland-656000">Denied relief in Italy, Roman actress opts for assisted suicide in Switzerland</a>

In the video, shared on Elon Musk's social media platform X by user @receiptmaven, Johnson&nbsp;can instead be heard advising fathers of teenage boys to make use of the software.

Watch the video here:

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COMPROMISE ALERT: Speaker Mike Johnson uses software Covenant Eyes (learned about at a Promise Keepers retreat) that scans all his electronic devices &amp; gives a weekly report an "accountability partner" his 17 yr old son (so basically don't watch porn or your son/dad will know😬) <a href="https://t.co/SSWpB9IIDB">pic.twitter.com/SSWpB9IIDB</a>
— Receipt Maven (@receiptmaven) <a href="https://twitter.com/receiptmaven/status/1719402267537789152?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 31, 2023</a></blockquote>
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While he says that he doesn't profit from referring the app and is only endorsing it as a user, the X user, Receipt Maven in a second post&nbsp;alleged that "He (Mike Johnson) made $20/pop for every referral."

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Mike Johnson is once again SCRUBBING his social media. Now he's removed his 2020 Facebook Post where you provides a "refer-a-friend" link to Covenant Eyes so you, too, can lead a porn free life. He made $20/pop for every referral. 
 
Like his bank accounts what else is he hiding? <a href="https://t.co/Rpp40WwhFp">pic.twitter.com/Rpp40WwhFp</a>
— Receipt Maven (@receiptmaven) <a href="https://twitter.com/receiptmaven/status/1721146482173137139?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 5, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<h2>What is Covenant Eyes?</h2>

As per the Guardian, the Covenant Eyes app is intended to assist users in "live porn-free with confidence".&nbsp;

Calling porn a "human problem," the app's website claims "we provide a human solution".

"Covenant Eyes helps you and the ones you love live porn-free through transformative accountability relationships."

(With inputs from agencies)

Mike Johnson, a staunch conservative and vocal Christian who was elected as United States House of Representatives speaker last month, finds himself in a soup. An old video of him accepting the use of an app marketed as a tool to help people 'quit porn' has resurfaced on the internet.

Mike Johnson, a staunch conservative and vocal Christian who was elected as United States House of Representatives speaker last month, finds himself in a soup. An old video of him accepting the use of an app marketed as a tool to help people 'quit porn' has resurfaced on the internet. In a year-old video clip, Johnson can be seen discussing his and his son's utilisation of Covenant Eyes, an app designed to track and monitor users' online activity across phones and computers. 17-year-old 'accountability partner' In the video, which was reportedly recorded at a "War on Technology" event held by Cypress Baptist church in Louisiana in October 2022, Johnson said: "Covenant Eyes is the software that we’ve been using a long time in our household." Also read | Who is Mike Johnson, Republicans' fourth nominee who finally clinched Speakership? He goes on to describe how the 'subscription-based' app tracks an individual's data and sends an alert to their "accountability partner" whenever an "objectionable" website is accessed. Johnson goes on to reveal that his 'accountability partner' was his 17-year-old son Jack, who he boasts has a "clean slate". The pair, he said, gets a report on one another's internet use once a week, and that any objectionable material sends an immediate notification. Does Johnson have a porn addiction? Despite Johnson's endorsement of the app, there is no indication that he struggles with a pornography addiction. Also read | Denied relief in Italy, Roman actress opts for assisted suicide in Switzerland In the video, shared on Elon Musk's social media platform X by user @receiptmaven, Johnson can instead be heard advising fathers of teenage boys to make use of the software. Watch the video here: COMPROMISE ALERT: Speaker Mike Johnson uses software Covenant Eyes (learned about at a Promise Keepers retreat) that scans all his electronic devices & gives a weekly report an "accountability partner" his 17 yr old son (so basically don't watch porn or your son/dad will know😬) pic.twitter.com/SSWpB9IIDB — Receipt Maven (@receiptmaven) October 31, 2023 × While he says that he doesn't profit from referring the app and is only endorsing it as a user, the X user, Receipt Maven in a second post alleged that "He (Mike Johnson) made $20/pop for every referral." Mike Johnson is once again SCRUBBING his social media. Now he's removed his 2020 Facebook Post where you provides a "refer-a-friend" link to Covenant Eyes so you, too, can lead a porn free life. He made $20/pop for every referral. Like his bank accounts what else is he hiding? pic.twitter.com/Rpp40WwhFp — Receipt Maven (@receiptmaven) November 5, 2023 × What is Covenant Eyes? As per the Guardian, the Covenant Eyes app is intended to assist users in "live porn-free with confidence". Calling porn a "human problem," the app's website claims "we provide a human solution". "Covenant Eyes helps you and the ones you love live porn-free through transformative accountability relationships." (With inputs from agencies)

US Speaker battling porn addiction? Old video of Mike Johnson endorsing 'porn de-addiction' app resurfaces