GOP Scrambles for Votes as Key Finance Details Remain Undecided
Senate Republicans released updated text for their expansive domestic policy bill late Friday, signaling an intention to push for a vote as early as Saturday.
The move comes as Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) seeks to galvanize wavering senators and secure the necessary votes to begin debate on the ambitious legislation.
READ: Georgia Rep. MTG Unleashes Fury On Thune Over “Weak” Senate Leadership, War Powers Vote
The bill, championed by Budget Committee Chair Lindsey Graham (R-SC), aims to enact significant policy changes across various sectors, including a substantial tax overhaul and modifications to Medicaid.
While most committee sections of the bill now reflect finalized text that has received approval from Parliamentarian Elizabeth MacDonough, the Finance Committee language remains incomplete in its alignment with her rulings.
The tax-writing panel held extensive, final meetings with MacDonough on Friday night.
READ: Florida Sen. Rick Scott’s “Drones For America Act” Seeks To Ground Chinese Threats
However, a fully revised version of their portion of the bill, which includes the proposed tax changes and Medicaid reforms, is not anticipated to be released overnight. This means senators may be asked to vote on a bill where key financial implications are still undergoing parliamentary review.
The partial release of the text follows prior warnings from Parliamentarian MacDonough, who had indicated that several provisions within the GOP bill did not comply with the strict budget guidelines necessary for passage through reconciliation – a process that allows certain legislation to bypass the Senate’s 60-vote filibuster threshold and pass with a simple majority.
Republican leaders have reportedly made ongoing adjustments to the bill in an effort to win over undecided votes, with negotiations extending into Saturday.
READ :Shattered Hard Drive Hints At Cover-Up In Washington Post Journalist’s Criminal Case: FBI
The urgency to move the bill forward reflects a desire within the Republican caucus to deliver on key domestic policy priorities, particularly as they race towards a self-imposed July 4 deadline to send the bill to President Donald Trump’s desk.
However, the incomplete Finance Committee text and the continued need to secure sufficient votes underscore the challenges ahead for GOP leadership as they navigate the complex legislative process.
Please make a small donation to the Tampa Free Press to help sustain independent journalism. Your contribution enables us to continue delivering high-quality, local, and national news coverage.
Connect with us: Follow the Tampa Free Press on Facebook and Twitter for breaking news and updates.
Sign up: Subscribe to our free newsletter for a curated selection of top stories delivered straight to your inbox.
