Shortly after the Senate approved a notable version of a bill favored by Trump, Tennessee GOP Rep. Andy Ogles put forth amendments aimed at reverting the bill to the original version that passed in late May. Ogles expressed several concerns regarding the Senate’s modifications, particularly criticizing the lack of provisions to prevent illegal immigrants from accessing healthcare and the use of taxpayer funds for Green Energy Project grants. He also took issue with changes to state and local tax (SALT) deductions, stating that the Senate’s amendments unfairly burden Tennessee taxpayers by increasing subsidies for wealthy residents in blue states.
After the bill was passed in the Senate on Tuesday afternoon, Ogles took to X to voice his complaints. He remarked, “The Senate fell into unelected staff appointed by Democrats and ran through an unfinished bill to make it home for July 4th.” He emphasized that his allegiance lies with his constituents, not the senators, and proposed replacing what he labeled a “DUD” with a more robust House bill that had previously passed.
Ogles and other GOP members faced challenges on Tuesday due to a ruling regarding aspects of the GOP spending package, which questioned whether certain provisions, like excluding illegal immigrants from Medicaid, met the criteria for a simple majority needed for passage. R-Texas Rep. Chip Roy noted on social media, “We have a majority in the Senate, and we should behave that way,” criticizing Congress for maintaining the status quo rather than providing real leadership.
The Senate began amending the House version of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act on Monday, during which lawmakers proposed numerous changes. Following the Senate’s amendments, the bill progressed to the House for further consideration.
Ogles’ office has not clarified whether his proposed changes might return the bill to its original form, but his position suggests he won’t support the current Senate iteration. Rep. Ralph Norman shared his expectation of not voting for the Senate version, and Roy commented that the chances of passing the spending package before the July 4 deadline have significantly diminished since the Senate’s modifications.
Both Roy and Norman are influential members of the House Rules Committee, which must approve the Senate’s version for any further action. R-Md. Rep. Andy Harris expressed skepticism about the committee’s ability to cast a favorable vote in the near future. He indicated uncertainty on how to reconcile the Senate amendments with the original House framework, especially concerning potential impacts on tax cuts.
Harris was clear in stating he’s opposed to moving the Senate version forward as it currently stands.
