As Republicans push to extend former President Donald Trump’s tax cuts, they’re taking a risky approach: tying those cuts to significant spending reductions. This strategy mirrors a move that went badly for the party in the 1990s, and history might repeat itself.

Back in 1995, Republicans, led by then-Speaker Newt Gingrich, tried to cut taxes while slashing federal spending. The plan backfired when President Bill Clinton argued it would harm middle- and working-class families to benefit the wealthy. Public opinion turned against the GOP, and Clinton won the political battle.

Fast forward to today, and Republicans are walking a similar tightrope. They’re drafting legislation that would extend Trump’s 2017 tax cuts—slated to expire this year—while proposing cuts to federal programs like Medicaid and clean energy subsidies. The goal is to reduce the deficit, but critics say it could hurt everyday Americans.

Democrats are already gearing up to fight back, claiming the plan benefits the rich at the expense of working families. “It’s a huge opportunity for Democrats to regain momentum,” said one political strategist who worked closely with Clinton during the ’90s.

Adding to the challenge, some conservative House members are pushing for even deeper spending cuts. Rep. Chip Roy of Texas has argued that tax cuts without spending restraint are “the traditional kind of swamp game.” But balancing these demands while maintaining public support won’t be easy.

The stakes are high. Extending the Trump tax cuts alone could cost $4.6 trillion over the next decade, and implementing additional cuts could push that number to $10 trillion. Offsetting these costs would require significant reductions in federal programs that many Americans rely on.

One major target is Medicaid, which provides health coverage for 72 million people, including low-income families and seniors. Cutting this program could alienate key Republican voters, especially in rural areas where Medicaid is critical.

Trump has publicly opposed cuts to Social Security and Medicare, but he’s left the door open for Medicaid reductions under the guise of addressing “waste.” This could give Republicans some wiggle room, but it also raises the risk of public backlash.

Democrats see this as their best chance to regain ground after a tough few years. “It’s going to come down to who tells the most compelling story,” said a former Democratic Senate leader. If Republicans aren’t careful, they could find themselves reliving the political defeats of the past.