Senate GOP Delays Debate on Controversial Tax Bill, Tightening Timeline for House Approval

The Senate Republicans are facing mounting pressure as they delay the debate and vote on the controversial tax bill, potentially pushing its passage to June 22. This delay could significantly impact the timeline for the House to finalize its approval of the measure before the early July debt ceiling deadline, which is critical for avoiding a potential government shutdown. The most expansive and contentious section of the bill, which includes key tax provisions like the SALT (state and local tax) deductions, potential spending cuts, and proposed changes to Medicare and Medicaid, is projected to be released by the Senate Finance Committee as early as Monday. The release of this section of the legislation is considered the most pivotal part, given its broad scope and potential impact on federal spending and tax policies.

The Senate Finance Committee is expected to unveil the complete text of the bill by Monday, setting the stage for further deliberation and review. However, before the bill can be brought to the floor for a vote, the Senate Parliamentarian, Elizabeth MacDonough, will need to assess and remove provisions that do not align with the Senate’s strict Budget Act rules. This process is likely to prolong the legislative timeline, making it difficult to schedule debate and a vote on the bill in the upcoming weeks. These delays underscore the Senate’s cautious approach, as key members are concerned about the potential financial and policy implications of the bill’s provisions.

With the Senate likely to bring the bill to a vote in the week of June 22, the House will be under immense pressure to either accept the Senate changes and approve the measure by July 4 or send it back for further modifications. The tight window for the House to act means that any further delays or conflicts between chambers could push the bill’s passage well beyond the July 4 deadline. This could lead to the necessity of a fourth vote-a-rama in the Senate within a matter of months, as the chamber is known for its protracted voting sessions that often last for several hours, with multiple roll calls conducted in a single day.

The complexity of the bill, combined with its potential to reshape tax and spending policies, has contributed to significant controversy and delays. The bill’s provisions, such as the proposed SALT deductions and spending cuts, have sparked debate across the political spectrum, with many lawmakers voicing concerns over its impact on government services and federal budgets. These delays highlight the challenges of achieving consensus on major legislative measures, especially in a divided Congress. Ultimately, the Senate’s cautious approach is likely to prolong the process, with the House facing a challenging timeline to either approve or amend the bill before the critical debt ceiling deadline.