Trump presses Republicans to deliver his domestic policy bill by July 4th
(NBC) Calling it the final formulation of our plan, President Donald Trump is pressing Republicans to expedite his comprehensive domestic policy measure so that it may be signed by Independence Day.
Major tax cuts, spending cuts, and a large investment in border security are all part of the measure, but it met a roadblock when a Senate lawmaker found that several of its most important elements did not satisfy the requirements of the budget reconciliation process. Only initiatives closely related to the federal budget can use this procedure, which enables legislation to pass the Senate with a simple majority rather than the customary 60-vote threshold.
A measure that was rejected would alter the way states pay for Medicaid by imposing a provider levy. Sen. Josh Hawley (R-MO) is among the members who see this as a chance to amend the measure in order to safeguard rural hospitals.
According to Hawley, this would be an opportunity for the leadership to make the necessary corrections and take action that won’t negatively impact rural hospitals.
GOP leaders are still optimistic that the Senate will amend and approve the plan this weekend, despite the setback. It would still require a second House vote if it were authorized. President Trump is adamant that the legislation will give his administration unprecedented victories. He declared, “We’ll deliver a record investment in border security, a record tax cut, and a record spending cut.”
Democrats, on the other hand, are fiercely opposing the proposed cuts to food assistance and Medicaid, claiming that they would finance tax breaks for the wealthiest.
“As working and middle-class Americans are already having a hard time paying for groceries and rent, it is morally reprehensible to ask them to fund tax breaks for billionaires,” said Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY).
