House Republicans are working quickly to finalize the details of what they’re calling the “big, beautiful bill” reflecting President Trump’s legislative goals.
The White House is insisting on a vote by Wednesday, yet some Republicans are still negotiating last-minute adjustments and expressing concerns that not all members are ready to support it.
While GOP leaders have made strides in convincing some holdouts, hardline conservatives maintain that the current version of the bill lacks sufficient support for approval. They can manage a three-vote margin on the floor, provided all members are present and participate.
This bill aims to extend the tax cuts instituted by Trump in 2017, fulfill campaign promises, eliminate taxes on tips and overtime, and finance defense and border initiatives. However, millions of low-income Americans risk losing benefits due to Medicaid and nutrition aid reforms, which Democrats are sounding alarms over.
Further changes are expected to be introduced to cater to holdouts, although these have yet to appear in any legislative drafts. The House Rules Committee has been reviewing these adjustments during a protracted hearing that lasted just over 12 hours and wrapped up around 1 p.m. on Wednesday.
A faction of Republicans appears to be rallying behind their leaders in this effort.
House Freedom Caucus
The House Freedom Caucus, known for its hardline stance, is primarily advocating for more substantial reforms in Medicaid while pushing to roll back the Green Energy Tax incentives approved during the Biden administration.
This group includes members like Chairman Andy Harris (MD.), Rep. Chip Roy (TX), Ralph Norman (SC), Rep. Scott Perry (PA), Keith Self (TX), Eric Burrison (MO), Clay Higgins (LA), and Michael Cloud (TX).
White House officials indicate an agreement to raise the proposed new Medicaid work requirements to begin in December 2026 instead of 2029.
Nonetheless, members of the Freedom Caucus are demanding deeper cuts to Medicaid, criticizing what they term its “money laundering,” referring to the mechanism that allows healthcare providers to secure larger federal matching funds.
“We’ve put in some effort; hopefully, we’ll finalize this Medicaid portion today,” Roy commented on the Charlie Kirk show Wednesday afternoon. “But it definitely needs some modification.”
Group members felt they had reached an overnight agreement with the White House concerning a shift in measures, but White House officials clarified that the group was given a selection of policy choices they would agree to if the Trump administration could garner enough support in the House.
Members of the Freedom Caucus and House GOP leaders are set to meet at the White House at 3 p.m. on Wednesday.
Salt Caucus Republicans
Earlier this week, moderate Republicans from states with higher taxes voiced requests for an increase in the state and local tax (SALT) deduction cap, a key element of Trump’s agenda.
Members voicing these concerns included Young Kim (CA), Nick LaLota (NY), Mike Lawler (NY), Tom Kean (NJ), Andrew Garbarino (NY), and Elise Stefanik (NY).
It appears they’re now mostly on board.
The Salt Caucus Republicans aim to modify the deduction cap to $40,000 for those earning under $500,000 and also increase both the cap and income limit by 1% per year for ten years.
The revamped limit would allow for a deduction cap of $30,000 or more for individuals earning over $400,000—quadrupling the current $10,000 ceiling.
According to sources, several members of the Salt Caucus are in favor of the plan, which depends on Trump’s backing of the manager’s amendment making changes to the bill. If the Senate hesitates, they are prepared to take a “tour” to persuade Senate Republicans to come on board with the agreement if necessary.
Moderates Who Favor Tax Credits
Pursuing an accelerated timeline for removing Green Energy Tax incentives—as hardline conservatives wish—could alienate moderate Republicans and those in districts benefiting from these incentives.
The written version of the bill outlines tax credits for solar, wind, and nuclear initiatives starting between 2029 and 2032. Projects that commence energy production in 2029 will receive 80% of the credits, while those becoming operational in 2031 will only see 40%.
However, Harris from the Freedom Caucus remarked Wednesday, “We should try to eliminate many of the new green schemes as much as possible.”
Moderate Republicans have long cautioned against removing these credits, although, in general, they’ve been supportive.
Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-Wash.) led a group of 25 Republicans who signed a letter earlier this month urging the preservation of nuclear incentives while signaling other members who may support such modifications. Signatories included Jen Kiggans (VA), Russell Fry (SC), Bill Huizenga (MI), Jeff Van Drew (NJ), Dan Meuser (PA), and David Valadao (CA).
Rep. Thomas Massey (R-KY)
Libertarian-leaning Rep. Thomas Massey from Kentucky has frequently opposed party stances when they clash with his principles on reducing government reach.
Massey is likely to oppose whatever comes from this bill. This sentiment reportedly contributed to Trump’s frustrations during his visit to the Capitol on Tuesday.
“I don’t think Thomas Massey understands the government,” Trump remarked to reporters before the meeting. “Honestly, I believe he should be voted out of his position.”
In response to Trump’s comments, Massey posted on X: “President Trump’s hair resembles that of @RandPaul, but he thinks I’m the one who needs to go.”
