It’s Thursday. If you listen closely, you might catch the GOP expressing frustration over the Senate bill.
In today’s news:
- Senate judges give a nod to many GOP bills
- There’s just eight days left before the invoice deadline. What’s the plan?
- The Supreme Court deals a setback to planned parent-child relationships
- A decision on birthright citizenship is expected tomorrow
Capitol Hill’s News
This is significant:
A senator faced a major setback for the Republicans’ “big, beautiful bill” this morning, as a key Medicaid provision was disqualified from the legislation.
Elizabeth MacDonough, a neutral arbiter in the Senate, is reviewing the GOP Act to see which parts comply with budgetary regulations, a tactic meant to bypass the 60-vote requirement.
What was eliminated? MacDonough turned down a plan to restrict state health care provider taxes as well as the increase in federal Medicaid funds.
Why does this matter? This provision was expected to save hundreds of billions, which Republicans were counting on to finance other initiatives. Its removal complicates the payment strategy for President Trump’s tax cuts.
But wait, there’s more: Congress also rejected multiple provisions aimed at restricting Medicaid and Medicare access for non-citizen immigrants.
So, what’s next? That’s the question at hand. With just eight days before their voluntary deadline, Senate majority leaders might need to reconsider whether to bring the bill to vote this week.
How are Republicans reacting? This significantly complicates their plans, especially given the tight timeline.
Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.) has urged colleagues to act quickly. What’s his take?
Does Thune intend to dismiss this ruling? Thune confirmed today that he respects the Senate judge’s decision.
Keep in mind: Not all GOP senators are in favor of the Medicaid cuts. Two senators have expressed opposition, and others remain undecided based on the cuts.
Just a reminder: MacDonough’s job is to evaluate what can pass through the legislative process. This provides a special method to avoid Democratic filibusters.
While the Senate could theoretically alter this clause, they’d need 60 votes to do so—something Republicans currently lack, as Democrats are unlikely to assist.
Earlier rejected provisions:
Congress dismissed Republican attempts to limit federal health grants for abortion services.
This could have a major impact: “This clause would have had a significant effect.” Currently, Connecticut, Michigan, and New Mexico allow insurers to cover abortion services voluntarily, but analyses indicate federal funding might incentivize reduced coverage based on proposed Republican measures.
Supreme Court News
Anticipate a whirlwind tomorrow:
Chief Justice John Roberts announced today that six remaining cases will be resolved tomorrow.
These include issues like birthright citizenship, age verification for pornographic websites, opting out of LGBTQ discussions in classrooms, and race-related Congressional district matters. Expect demonstrations outside the Supreme Court.
Today’s significant ruling:
Planned Parenthood took a big hit today as the Supreme Court ruled that South Carolina can block Medicaid funds for them.
This case doesn’t revolve around abortion legality but rather Medicaid funding rights. The outcome could establish whether Medicaid beneficiaries have a “right” to choose their health care provider.
According to Nathaniel Weixel, “This ruling may allow states to withhold Medicaid funds from Planned Parenthood. While it currently applies only to South Carolina, it could serve as a model for other states.”
Also worth noting: The Court ruled on providing Texas death row inmates with the right to pursue DNA testing against state laws that might impede evidence testing.
10 years ago today:
The Supreme Court ruled in favor of same-sex marriage.
In Pentagon News
Insights from the Pentagon:
Secretary of Defense Pete Hegses held a press conference today to defend the recent US strike against Iran amid scrutiny regarding its effectiveness.
What’s Hegses concerned about? Leaked reports suggest that the US operation could delay Iran’s nuclear program by months instead of years, contrary to earlier claims.
Hegseth expressed frustration about media coverage and leaks, saying, “Whether it’s fake news or otherwise, preliminary reports surfaced within days of the strike.”
Additionally, he had some choice words for a former colleague: Hegseth criticized Jennifer Griffin from Fox News for her portrayal of the operation.
In closing…
Today marks National Coconut Day and National Bomb Pop Day!
NATO Secretary-General Mark Latte faced backlash for his earlier comments regarding President Trump as “daddy,” and the White House even created a music video reflecting that sentiment.
Lastly, a fun inquiry: What do you think is the best film since 2000? The New York Times gathered opinions from over 500 influential figures to compile a list of the top 100 movies of the 21st century.
