Gottheimer, Kean split on final budget bill as House narrowly approves reconciliation package
WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Reps. Josh Gottheimer (D-5) and Tom Kean Jr. (R-7), both representing New Jersey, issued sharply contrasting statements following their votes on a sweeping federal budget reconciliation package passed by the House on Wednesday by a vote of 218 to 214.
The legislation, backed by former President Donald Trump, now heads to the president’s desk to be signed into law. The bill includes wide-ranging provisions on taxes, health care, energy, and federal spending.
Gottheimer, who voted against the package, criticized it as harmful to New Jersey residents, calling it a “complete debacle” that he said would raise taxes, slash funding for health care and food assistance, and increase energy costs.
“Trump’s Tax Hike bill will gut health care for seniors, take food away from hungry children, and send utility bills soaring,” Gottheimer said in a statement. “It’s a direct assault on Jersey families, their pocketbooks, their health, and their futures.”
The congressman said the bill includes a projected $3,300 annual tax hike for New Jersey families and warned of potential cuts to Medicaid and hospital funding. He also voiced concern over expanded tax breaks for energy companies and gun manufacturers.
Kean, who voted in favor of the bill, called it “a major win for New Jerseyans,” citing provisions that raise the State and Local Tax (SALT) deduction cap to $40,000, permanently increase the Child Tax Credit to $2,200, and renew R&D tax credits for businesses.
“We secured the full SALT deduction for every middle-class family in New Jersey,” Kean said. “We made significant progress on key priorities like securing the border, unleashing American energy, and strengthening national security.”
Kean also highlighted funding in the bill for New Jersey hospitals and Medicaid providers, as well as federal reimbursement for local law enforcement protecting former President Trump during his visits to Bedminster.
The bill includes $50 billion over five years for health care providers, investment in air traffic control modernization, and provisions aimed at curbing waste and fraud in federal programs.
While the bill passed along mostly party lines, reactions from New Jersey’s delegation underscored ongoing divisions over federal spending priorities and the scope of entitlement reforms.
