Senate GOP’s Tax and Spending Bill Reading Completed

On Sunday afternoon, Senate clerks finished reading the GOP’s extensive tax and spending proposal, which spans 940 pages. This completion allows for the countdown to the final vote to commence, expected sometime on Monday.

Democrats pushed for this lengthy reading to delay the bill’s passage. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer expressed his opposition, saying he wanted Republicans to read the entire text aloud to the American public.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune took a moment to express gratitude towards those involved, recognizing the effort it took to reach this stage. He acknowledged the long nights and the dedication of the staff, highlighting their stamina and service.

Discussions led by the Chamber of Commerce will allow up to 20 hours of debate, split evenly between the parties, before entering a phase called “Voting the Llama,” which involves an unlimited amended vote.

Republicans are preparing to establish a timeline for passing the bill, suggesting that this voting phase could start early Monday morning. Lawmakers will be able to propose numerous modifications related to the tax package, but any changes must be approved before GOP leaders can cast their final votes.

On Saturday, Republicans secured the votes necessary to advance the bill after lengthy negotiations lasted over three hours during a voting session. However, two Republican senators, Tom Tillis of North Carolina and Rand Paul of Kentucky, are expected to oppose the final bill, which includes significant provisions like a Medicaid clause and a $5 trillion debt cap.

Senator Susan Collins from Maine supported moving the bill forward but has not yet decided whether she’ll back the final version, suggesting her decision hinges on any major changes made to it. She noted that while some improvements were evident, she would like to see further modifications.

Senate Republicans faced challenges as votes extended into the evening, with notable conservatives, including Rick Scott and Mike Lee, contributing to the debate. Conservative members, including Thune and others, have signaled support for a proposal aimed at reducing federal Medicaid matching rates for states opting for expansion.

Moderate Senator Lisa Murkowski from Alaska has also expressed concerns regarding the proposed changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which could impact her support for the legislation.