House Republicans are under pressure to pass their major tax and safety-net reform bill by July 4, as tensions rise between Republican leaders and holdouts. Speaker Mike Johnson and President Donald Trump are determined to push the legislation through, despite significant resistance from key GOP members who argue the bill fails to deliver on promises to their constituents. The bill faces challenges from both fiscal hawks and vulnerable centrists, who worry about its impact on Medicaid cuts and overall fiscal responsibility, potentially jeopardizing the party’s standing in upcoming midterm elections.
The biggest hurdle for the GOP is the large number of House Republicans who are still uncertain about the Senate’s proposed package. These members are concerned that the bill does not fully address the key commitments made to their constituencies. As a result, several have called for amendments or a delay in the process. Head GOP rebel Chip Roy of Texas said the chances of passing the bill out of the House by the July 4 deadline are lower than they were even 48 hours ago, citing the Senate’s version as a significant obstacle.
Some members are now openly questioning the feasibility of passing the bill by the July 4 deadline. Despite the urgency of the deadline, they argue that it is better to delay the process to ensure the legislation meets the expectations of their constituents. However, GOP leaders are undeterred and continue to push for swift passage, acknowledging the bill is in line with the House’s original proposals and that they seek to pass it as soon as possible.
Notably, the support from budget hawks has been a critical factor in the bill’s momentum, as these members have largely stopped blocking the legislation. Influential figures are now backing the bill despite their usual caution, indicating a strong push from the top. Nevertheless, some ultraconservatives, such as Rep. Chip Roy, have expressed reservations about Trump’s pressure to accept the Senate’s version without modifications. They argue that the current proposal significantly deviates from the fiscal framework the House initially sought, leading to potential challenges in securing final approval.
Adding to the complexity, several House Republicans are concerned about the deeper Medicaid cuts proposed in the Senate’s version, particularly those in competitive districts. The recent actions of Sen. Thom Tillis have raised alarm among some members, leading to internal debates within the party. As the deadline approaches, the House is grappling with the need to balance legislative priorities with the potential impact on their electoral prospects in the upcoming midterms.