House lawmakers are preparing to take up President Donald Trump’s ‘big, beautiful bill’ as early as Wednesday, with procedural steps planned to expedite its passage. The bill, which addresses tax relief, Medicaid, and border security, is the focus of intense legislative activity as the Senate continues to work through its version of the legislation. House GOP leaders hope to move the bill forward quickly to meet Trump’s deadline for signing it by the Fourth of July.
The House is set to begin its consideration of the legislative package with a ‘rule’ vote, a procedural hurdle that will allow for full debate on the bill’s provisions. This vote could occur as early as Wednesday morning, with the final vote potentially scheduled for Wednesday evening or Thursday morning, depending on the pace of negotiations and last-minute maneuvering. House GOP leaders have emphasized the importance of the bill in delivering tax relief to American families, with House GOP Policy Chair Kevin Hern stating that the president has been clear about the need to pass the legislation as soon as possible.
Despite the bipartisan support needed at the House level, the bill faces significant challenges in securing enough Republican votes to pass. The initial version of the bill passed the House by a narrow margin, and GOP leaders are aware that only four Republican defections could derail the legislation. Some House Republicans have expressed concerns about the Senate’s proposed modifications, particularly regarding the additional cost-sharing burdens for states that expanded their Medicaid programs under the Affordable Care Act, and the potential impact on the national debt. These concerns have prompted House GOP leaders to urge their members to voice any grievances directly to leadership rather than sharing them on social media.
Leadership allies have been actively promoting the bill in the media, highlighting its pro-worker promises, such as eliminating taxes on tips, overtime, and auto interest. House Ways & Means Committee Chairman Jason Smith, R-Mo., has been vocal in his support, emphasizing the economic benefits of passing the legislation. Meanwhile, Republican Study Committee Chair August Pfluger, R-Texas, has warned that failing to pass the bill could result in the largest tax hike in history, with the average taxpayer in his district facing a 26% tax increase.
The 940-page legislation encompasses a wide range of Trump’s priorities, including tax reform, border security, energy policy, and defense spending. While the House aims to expedite its process, the Senate is still engaged in a lengthy ‘vote-a-rama’ on the bill, allowing for an unlimited number of amendments from both parties. This could lead to significant changes to the final version of the bill before it reaches President Trump’s desk, further complicating the legislative timeline.