Tennessee Rep. John Rose has emerged as a surprise holdout against the Republican megabill, joining conservative hard-liners in opposing a newly negotiated provision that increases the state-and-local-tax (SALT) deduction. The provision, which aims to benefit blue-state Republicans, has drawn fierce criticism from Rose, who argues it is effectively a bailout for Democratic governors. Rose’s opposition highlights the growing internal divisions within the GOP as the legislation moves through Congress. The rep has not previously been a vocal critic of the bill’s provisions, making his stance a significant development.
The announcement came as key conservative hard-liners wrapped up a White House meeting with President Donald, Speaker Mike Johnson, and other GOP leaders. Rose’s position contrasts with the general consensus among his party colleagues, who have been largely supportive of the bill’s provisions thus far. His opposition has been met with surprise by many who have been closely watching the legislation, as he is not in the House Freedom Caucus and has not previously raised concerns about Medicaid cuts or other controversial portions of the bill. This development could have significant implications for the future of the bill and its passage through Congress.
Rose is running for Tennessee governor in a potentially crowded Republican primary that could also include Sen. Marsha Blackburn. Trump’s endorsement is likely to be influential in that race, adding another layer of complexity to his political strategy. The opposition to the SALT deduction provision could impact his campaign, as it may be seen as a test of his loyalty to the party’s broader agenda. With the potential for continued resistance from other members of the GOP, the Republicans face a challenging path forward as they seek to advance the megabill through Congress.