The House GOP megabill is undergoing significant revisions as conservative hard-liners, moderates, and blue-state Republicans vie to shape the legislation to their liking ahead of a potential floor vote this week. The bill has been modified in several areas, including delaying the implementation of Medicaid work requirements until 2029, but allowing states to pursue waivers. The bill also faces internal disagreements over the phase-out of clean energy tax credits, with debates over whether ‘shovel-ready’ projects should be included. The draft bill has been modified to allow more legal immigrants to receive SNAP aid, with carve-outs for Cuban nationals to satisfy some Florida members’ demands.
The GOP Energy and Commerce Committee spokesperson confirmed that the recent changes to the bill’s language regarding exemptions were intended to clarify what the legislation entails. Additionally, the bill now omits a Government Accountability Office study on how pharmacy benefit managers, pharmacies, and drugmakers are paid in the prescription drug supply chain. It also removes clawbacks of unobligated funds for various Energy Department programs, including over $400 million for the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy and $8 million for the inspector general. These changes reflect the ongoing negotiations within the party to balance the interests of various factions and the potential implications for federal spending and policy.