House Republicans are growing increasingly wary of the self-imposed July 4 deadline for President Donald Trump’s ‘big, beautiful bill,’ as several lawmakers emphasize the importance of getting the legislation right rather than rushing to meet the deadline. Rep. Scott Perry, a former House Freedom Caucus chairman, stated that “it’s more important to get the bill correct than it is to get it fast.” Similarly, Rep. Nicole Malliotakis of New York City noted that while July 4th is a “realistic” goal, she would prefer taking additional time to ensure the bill is “done right.” Speaker Mike Johnson acknowledged the possibility of the deadline slipping but stressed the importance of pushing the bill forward. The Senate, currently working on the bill, faces challenges over Medicaid and state and local tax (SALT) deductions, with some House members warning they may withdraw support if the Senate version diverges from the original plan. Meanwhile, Trump has reiterated his commitment to having the bill ready for his signature by July 4th, though several Republicans remain cautious about the timeline.
Lawmakers have been divided on the feasibility of meeting the July 4 deadline, with some expressing concern over the potential for delays in the Senate. Rep. Greg Murphy, R-N.C., who leads the Doctors Caucus, warned that changes in the Senate version’s Medicaid funding cuts could endanger the expansion of Medicaid in North Carolina, prompting him to refuse support for any alterations. Rep. Nick LaLota, R-N.Y., a moderate, suggested there might be “some prudence” in letting go of the July 4 deadline. Conservative Rep. Michael Cloud, R-Texas, was more optimistic, stating that while getting the bill right is more important, they “won’t get it done by then.” Rep. Lloyd Smucker, R-Pa., noted that the timeline will rely heavily on Trump’s input. Meanwhile, the Senate is expected to work through the weekend to finalize the bill.
As the House prepares to return to their districts next week, Speaker Johnson instructed Republicans to remain flexible, with sources indicating that lawmakers could be back in the capital as early as Tuesday. However, the House faces a real-world deadline: the U.S. is expected to run out of cash to pay its debts by the summer, according to multiple projections. The debt limit increase has become a priority in the budget bill, adding further pressure on the lawmakers to reach a consensus before the deadline. Trump, for his part, has reiterated his commitment to having the bill ready by July 4th, emphasizing that the House of Representatives must be prepared to send it to his desk by then. Despite these efforts, several Republicans remain cautious about the timeline, highlighting the ongoing debate over the importance of quality versus speed in legislation.