Some Republican senators are keeping their thoughts on President Trump’s tax plans close to the vest while discussing potential adjustments to programs such as Medicaid and SNAP.
Sen. Susan Collins from Maine, considered a key moderate, didn’t express any worries about Medicaid cuts as she advocated for a vote on Megaville on Monday afternoon.
“I’m supporting the modifications and reviewing them. I won’t disclose my stance just yet,” she mentioned. She also has proposed an amendment aimed at boosting the local hospital fund.
Sen. Ron Johnson from Wisconsin seemed undecided when asked how he intended to vote on the legislation’s final passage. When queried about whether he backed the plan, he pushed for an amendment proposed by Sen. Rick Scott from Florida, which sought to further cut Medicaid spending by restricting expansion under the Affordable Care Act.
Alongside Lee and Johnson, Senate Finance Committee Chairman Mike Crapo from Idaho is involved in the amendment discussions.
“Almost all the Republicans in this room have said they want to abolish and replace Obamacare,” Johnson pointed out. “This could potentially eliminate one of the most detrimental parts of it.”
However, when asked a couple of times if he could back the bill without the amendment’s approval, Johnson replied, “I don’t believe the House will see it that way. I want the Senate to pass it, and the House can follow.”
“This might take some time,” he quipped.
Sen. Mike Lee from Utah indicated that he intends to support the bill, but it will depend on how the situation unfolds. “It clearly depends on the developments, but yes, I’m inclined to support it,” he stated. When discussing reliance on Scott’s amendments, he noted that Scott’s proposal aims to decrease Medicaid spending by $313 billion.
After drawing attention over the weekend, Johnson initially voted against the Megaville debate but later changed his stance after reaching an agreement with Senate Majority Leader John Thune and Vice President Vance.
Johnson remarked that leadership had agreed to let them vote on their amendments. “They want to push this forward too. It’s crucial during a two-hour meeting with the president,” he added, stating a commitment to ultimately balancing the budget.
