President Trump and Senate Republicans are entering a pivotal week in their efforts to advance significant legislation that encompasses various domestic initiatives.
GOP leaders are aiming to unveil a text this week that outlines some of the more pressing issues they’ve been trying to tackle. The coming days are crucial for winning over those who are hesitant and need support to help pass the legislation.
As the deadline for July 4 approaches, skepticism is growing about whether they can achieve their ambitious timeline.
“Next week is probably a make-or-break moment,” remarked Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), one of the last remaining skeptics.
The Senate Finance Committee is expected to release key texts later Monday, which may include pivotal elements like Medicaid cuts and the removal of two taxes linked to Trump’s main campaign promises.
Following a meeting on Friday, Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) and Finance Committee Chair Mike Crapo met with Trump at the White House. Initial reports indicated they might release part of the text soon after, though that didn’t materialize.
A source familiar with the situation mentioned that the forthcoming text is likely to include many of Trump’s tax priorities, even as some Senate Republicans push back against certain elements.
The draft is also anticipated to feature a significant victory for the Senate GOP by exempting corporate tax systems, a point of contention for numerous members.
However, it’s still unclear how the committee will approach the caps on state and local tax (SALT) deductions.
While this issue might not be a central focus for all Senate Republicans, it’s considered a crucial aspect for high-tax states looking to reduce the initially proposed cap of $40,000. Ultimately, this decision could significantly affect how the bill fares when it returns to the House.
The committee is likely to propose a SALT cap that’s considerably lower than what House Republicans from New York, New Jersey, and California want, but it seems this might just be a preliminary figure.
One Senate GOP member noted that many see the $40,000 number as a “placeholder,” despite calls to skirt too far from potential backlash from Republicans in blue states.
Strengthening the support from wavering members is essential over the next few days.
“I take this seriously, and we’re going to move forward,” stated Senator Markwayne Mullin (Okla.), who serves as an informal liaison for the GOP. “They will fight hard for their positions, and we will as well. There will be a resolution.”
The release of Medicaid-related texts will be vital, especially since many holdouts are against alterations made to the House-passed Health Safety Net Program for low-income individuals.
The House bill proposes to cut federal spending by over $800 billion by imposing stricter work requirements and shifting some costs to the states.
Concerns have been raised by several senators regarding how this will impact state members and rural healthcare facilities.
Senate GOP leaders are making significant efforts to sway the hesitant members as they push towards the July 4 recess.
They could potentially lose up to three votes, including that of Senator Rand Paul (R-KY), who is expected to oppose the bill due to his disapproval of the $4 trillion debt cap.
To garner support, GOP leaders are including a reapproval for the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act, but Missouri Republicans are holding firm against any cuts to Medicaid benefits.
“I want to see improvements to this bill,” Hawley said, emphasizing his stance against Medicaid cuts.
“I’m coordinating with leadership throughout this process,” he added.
Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) has moderated his criticism regarding the recent bill, which he previously argued lacked sufficient spending cuts.
“We’re making considerable progress,” Johnson told reporters. “However, nothing is promised until it’s finalized.”
If GOP leaders can secure votes from Senators Mike Lee (R-Utah), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), and Johnson, they stand a good chance of passing the bill. Yet, they are not taking anything for granted and are also trying to win support from Senators Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), who have voiced concerns about possible Medicaid cuts and the reduction of renewable energy credits.
Whether they can sway these members is still uncertain. However, one Senate GOP member suggested that maintaining a dialogue, rather than applying pressure, could be the way to go.
“I’m cautiously optimistic… It’s worth noting that Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski backed the 2017 bill,” the member pointed out, referring to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.
Amid these negotiations, there seems to be a division among lawmakers regarding the border funding included in the recent bill. Paul, chair of the Homeland Security Committee, has stirred frustration among Senate Republicans and the White House with his push to cut proposed border funding.
This dispute led Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), chair of the Senate Budget Committee, to override Paul’s plan and propose his own border texts, which include the requested $46.5 billion. This discussion heated up after a tense meeting between White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller and Johnson over funding figures.
Despite these tensions, there is widespread disapproval of Paul’s actions, with some Republicans deeming it unnecessary drama.
“Rand’s being a bit of a party pooper,” remarked another Senate Republican.
To complicate matters, the Senate has only until Wednesday of this week to finalize decisions before the recess.
Top Republicans are looking to compile reports from various committees so they can be prepared to present the bill by June 23.
However, if any delays occur, Thune assured members that they are willing to work through the July 4 holiday to ensure the bill is completed, making this a crucial deadline for the Senate.
“I’m not quite sure,” Senator John Kennedy (R-La.) stated. “I’m just focused on what we’re currently doing.”
