Key Takeaways:
- Republican lawmakers face challenges in passing President Trump’s tax, energy, and border bill.
- The bill passed the House Budget Committee but faces opposition from some GOP members.
- Rep. Chip Roy (R-TX) is still undecided about supporting the bill.
- The bill includes controversial provisions on Medicaid and AI regulations.
- Trump pushes Republicans to unify and pass the bill quickly.
- The bill could see a late-night debate in the House Rules Committee.
The Bill’s Rocky Path Forward
President Donald Trump’s ambitious plan to cut taxes, deregulate energy, and tighten border security is moving through Congress, but it’s hitting some bumps along the way. After an initial setback, Republicans on the House Budget Committee managed to advance the bill. However, it’s far from a done deal.
The bill, which Trump calls “big and beautiful,” is expected to be debated in the House Rules Committee on Wednesday. Lawmakers hope to pass it before Memorial Day. But not everyone in the GOP is on board. Some Republican hardliners, like Rep. Chip Roy of Texas, are still hesitant to support it.
Why the Bill Is Stalling
Rep. Chip Roy, a key Republican, has doubts about the bill. He wants changes to Medicaid funding rules and is concerned about a provision that would block states from regulating AI for 10 years. This AI rule has drawn criticism from both Democrats and Republicans, with some calling it a special favor to OpenAI.
Roy also objects to the plan to vote on the bill during a late-night session. “I’m skeptical of going to Rules at 1 a.m. on Wednesday morning,” he said. He believes lawmakers should wait for the Congressional Budget Office to estimate the total cost of the bill before moving forward.
Trump Steps Up the Pressure
President Trump is growing impatient. In a recent post on Truth Social, he urged Republicans to stop arguing and pass the bill. “We don’t need ‘GRANDSTANDERS’ in the Republican Party,” he wrote. “STOP TALKING, AND GET IT DONE! It is time to fix the MESS that Biden and the Democrats gave us.”
Trump’s message reflects the tension within the GOP. While some Republicans want to support the president’s agenda, others are holding out for changes to the bill.
What’s Next?
The bill’s fate rests on the next few days. If it passes the House Rules Committee, it will head to the full House for a vote. But with Roy and other conservatives still on the fence, the outcome is far from certain.
Lawmakers are running out of time. Memorial Day is just around the corner, and Republicans want to deliver a win before the holiday. But rushing the process could backfire if key lawmakers like Roy decide to vote no.
The Medicaid Debate
One of the biggest sticking points is Medicaid. Republicans want stricter work requirements for Medicaid recipients, but some lawmakers worry about how these changes will affect low-income families.
Roy also wants adjustments to the Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (FMAP), which determines how much the federal government contributes to Medicaid compared to states. He believes the current plan doesn’t go far enough.
The AI Controversy
Another contentious issue is the provision that would shield AI companies like OpenAI from state regulations for 10 years. Critics argue this is a sweetheart deal for the tech industry, and some state attorneys general from both parties have spoken out against it.
This provision has made it harder for Republicans to sell the bill to skeptical lawmakers like Roy. With bipartisan criticism growing, it’s unclear whether this part of the bill will survive.
The Late-Night Vote Plan
The House Rules Committee is set to debate the bill during an unusually late-night session. Critics like Roy argue this is a bad idea. “If we’re going to pass something this big, we should do it in the daylight, not when most Americans are asleep,” he said.
The odd timing has sparked concerns about transparency. Democrats and some Republicans worry that rushing the bill through in the dead of night will lead to mistakes or overlooked details.
The Final Countdown
The next 24 hours are crucial. If Republican leaders can convince Roy and other holdouts, the bill might pass. If not, it could stall or even fail.
Trump’s leadership is being tested, and the GOP’s ability to unite will determine the bill’s success. With time running out, all eyes are on Capitol Hill.
Conclusion
Trump’s big bill is facing a tough road in Congress. While it has cleared one hurdle, the challenges ahead are significant. With key lawmakers like Rep. Chip Roy still on the fence and opposition growing over certain provisions, the bill’s fate remains uncertain.
One thing is clear: the next few days will decide whether Trump’s vision for tax cuts, energy deregulation, and border security becomes law—or if it falls short. Stay tuned for updates as this story continues to unfold.