WASHINGTON (AP) — Senate Republicans pushed President Donald Trump’s significant bill back on track Friday after last-minute revisions, including deep cuts to food stamps. However, there is still a long way to go before expected weekend votes. Trump initially gave Congress some breathing room, stating during a press conference at the White House, “It’s not the end all.” But he later reversed course, insisting that Republicans in the House ensure it’s completed by the Independence Day holiday.
“We can get it done,” Trump declared in a post. “It will be a wonderful celebration for our country.”
As the party in power, Republicans are addressing a list of unresolved issues to push the package forward despite unified Democratic opposition. They are counting on substantial cuts to health care, food stamps, and green energy investments to help fund $3.8 trillion in tax breaks, their top priority. Any roadblock could jeopardize the comprehensive package.
Proposed Medicaid cuts have raised concerns among some GOP senators who are worried that millions in their states may lose access to the health care program. Meanwhile, a tentative agreement on the size of a state and local tax deduction known as SALT, between the White House and House GOP lawmakers from high-tax districts like New York, requires broader consensus.
House Speaker Mike Johnson, who allowed lawmakers to return home for the weekend but remain on call to swiftly return to Washington, mentioned that they are “very close” to completion.
“We would still like to meet that July 4th self-imposed deadline,” said Johnson, R-La.
Both Johnson and Senate Majority Leader John Thune have been closely involved in drafting the comprehensive package, emphasizing the need to avoid a massive tax hike at the end of the year when current tax rates expire. The GOP leadership is relying on Trump to pressure hesitant lawmakers to ensure passage.
“My expectation is at some point tomorrow we’ll be ready to go,” Thune said, referring to the multi-day process of speeches and voting expected in the coming days before a final roll call vote.
After a lunch meeting with Senate Republicans, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent indicated that the emerging SALT deal was not yet finalized. Senate’s reaction to the latest offer was “varied.”
The White House and House Republicans have agreed on a plan to maintain the SALT provision with a $40,000 cap on deductions for five years, rather than 10 as in the House-passed terms.
With slim majorities in the House and Senate, Republicans need nearly every lawmaker on board to pass the package. Rep. Nick LaLota of New York, a GOP holdout, expressed his inability to support the compromise.
Despite setbacks, other provisions were being strengthened following advice from the Senate parliamentarian that they would not pass under the chamber’s strict “Byrd Rule,” which largely bars policy matters from budget bills unless agreed upon.
The GOP aims to avoid the 60-vote threshold as they push their proposal to shift SNAP costs. The Senate parliamentarian has approved the Republican plan, including provisions to restrict immigrants from receiving food aid. Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman Sen. John Boozman views this as a step towards enhancing SNAP efficiency. However, Senate Democrat Sen. Amy Klobuchar vows to oppose changes that could increase food costs and reduce aid for vulnerable groups.
The Congressional Budget Office predicts that millions would lose health care coverage and food assistance under the House-passed bill. The wealthiest individuals stand to benefit from significant tax cuts, while the poorest could face tax increases. The Senate draft proposes even deeper reductions, awaiting further evaluation from the CBO.
In addition, the Senate parliamentarian accepted a revised plan to alter the funding model of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. Despite attempts to streamline the bill, some GOP measures violate Senate regulations, such as provisions on firearm silencers and a national school voucher program.
Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer criticizes the rush to finalize the bill without full public transparency, questioning the need for an arbitrary deadline.
