House conservatives are warning that President Trump’s budget bill may not pass after the Senate made key changes, as highlighted by the article. The House’s conservative fiscal hawks are expressing caution about the Senate’s revisions, which include deferring the expiration of green energy tax credits from the former Biden administration’s Inflation Reduction Act. Rep. Ralph Norman, R-S.C., emphasized the real problems the changes may bring, despite support for Trump’s vision. The House Freedom Caucus members are especially concerned about the Senate’s decision to delay certain green energy tax credits, which they have criticized as the ‘Green New Scam.’
The Senate’s version of the bill also increases the U.S. debt limit by $5 trillion, surpassing the earlier House version that proposed a $4 trillion increase. This has raised concerns among House Republicans, such as Rep. Andy Harris, R-Md., who has indicated he would vote against the bill if returned in its current form. Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., is trying to prevent significant changes by the Senate, citing the House’s thin majority. However, Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., is also dealing with a small majority and has introduced changes to satisfy the GOP conference in the Senate.
Rep. Keith Self, R-Texas, has warned that the changes are not good, citing Mike Johnson’s request to the Senate not to revise the bill significantly. Meanwhile, Rep. Chip Roy, R-Texas, has raised concerns about the Senate’s version being weaker and unacceptable. President Trump has ordered congressional Republicans to remain in Washington until the legislation is passed, emphasizing the need for the bill to be completed before the Fourth of July. This directive has added pressure on both chambers to find a resolution.
The article also notes that while some House Republicans are concerned about the Senate’s changes, moderate factions within the GOP are seeking adjustments to the state and local tax (SALT) deduction and Medicaid. The debate has been complicated by a ‘Byrd bath’ process, which rules out several cost-saving provisions. Despite these challenges, Republican leaders, including Senate Budget Committee Chair Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., have expressed confidence in the bill’s potential. The ongoing tensions reflect the broader political landscape as both chambers navigate the complexities of passing a significant budget bill, with implications for the country’s fiscal health and political dynamics.