Senate Republicans appear likely to delay President Donald Trump’s ‘big, beautiful bill’ vote until June 22, potentially jeopardizing passage through both chambers before his July 4th deadline. The legislation, which includes contentious tax provisions and healthcare reforms, is being reviewed for compliance with strict Senate Budget provisions, which could further delay the process. The Senate Finance Committee is expected to release the text of the bill as early as Monday, with key provisions such as SALT deductions and changes to Medicare and Medicaid undergoing particular scrutiny.
Senate Parliamentarian Elizabeth MacDonough will play a crucial role in the process of removing provisions that do not align with budgetary guidelines, which explains the delay in bringing the bill to the floor for debate. If the Senate advances the bill, the House will have a tight window to either accept the Senate changes and green-light the bill before July 4 or bounce it back to the Senate with additional modifications. Such a scenario would likely extend the process beyond the July 4 deadline and necessitate a fourth vote-a-rama in a short period.
The potential for a protracted legislative process raises concerns about the bill’s viability and its ability to meet the July 4 deadline. This delay could impact the overall legislative agenda for the remainder of the year, particularly as both chambers grapple with the complexities of the proposed reforms.