WASHINGTON – A major Republican effort to move forward with former President Donald Trump’s sweeping tax legislation hit a snag in Congress on Thursday, as conservative hardliners demanded steeper Medicaid cuts in return for their support.
House Budget Committee Chairman Jodey Arrington indicated that the committee vote, originally planned for Friday, might be postponed. Some Republican members insist on more time and further financial details, particularly concerning the bill’s projected $3.72 trillion cost over ten years, which would add significantly to the national debt.
Despite Arrington’s confidence that the committee will approve the bill, at least four GOP hardliners—enough to block its advance—have voiced strong opposition. Representatives Ralph Norman, Andrew Clyde, Chip Roy, and Josh Brecheen expressed concerns ranging from insufficient spending cuts to a lack of transparency.
The proposed legislation would extend tax breaks from Trump’s first term, with features like eliminating taxes on tips and overtime pay, which Republicans argue would benefit working-class Americans. However, critics say it overwhelmingly favors the wealthy.
GOP divisions are emerging in three camps:
- Moderates from Democratic-leaning states pushing to expand the federal SALT (state and local tax) deduction,
- Hardliners demanding those deductions be offset by deeper Medicaid cuts, and
- Moderates seeking to protect Medicaid.
Despite the internal friction, House Speaker Mike Johnson and Majority Leader Steve Scalise remain hopeful the bill will reach the House floor next week.
Trump is expected to return to Washington soon after concluding a diplomatic visit to the Middle East.
