Speaker Mike Johnson, the current House Speaker, has declared his confidence in passing the GOP’s major domestic policy bill, which is seen as a significant legislative achievement for the Republican Party. The bill, which is expected to address various domestic policy issues, is scheduled for a final vote as early as this afternoon following an all-night session to overcome initial opposition from some conservative holdouts.
Johnson’s statements on Thursday emphasized that the party has the required support to pass the bill, with only a few lawmakers expected to oppose it. He assured reporters that the bill, which was previously opposed by some conservative members due to changes made by the Senate, would be passed before the July 4 deadline. Johnson noted that the involvement of the White House and Cabinet secretaries in clarifying the bill’s provisions helped alleviate many of the concerns raised by some GOP lawmakers.
Despite the efforts to expedite the process, the bill’s passage has been delayed by House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries’ extended speaking time, known as the ‘magic minute.’ This speaking time, which is granted to the minority leader, has been stretched into its sixth hour, potentially breaking the record set by then-House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy in 2021. However, Johnson remains optimistic that the bill will be passed before the deadline, highlighting the importance of the legislation for the party’s agenda.