Senate Republicans are working to win over Premier Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) and Susan Collins (R-Maine) in support of the party’s ambitious tax cut plan, especially as they risk losing several conservative senators.
President Trump is focusing on Senators Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), Rand Paul (R-Ky.), and Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) regarding concerns about upcoming packages.
However, there are fears among some Republicans that Johnson and Paul may pose significant challenges in passing the law, highlighting the necessity for the GOP to secure Murkowski and Collins’ support in a vote that won’t permit them to lose more than three votes.
“It’s been narrowed down,” a Senate Republican mentioned to Hill about the party’s margins.
Paul has consistently been viewed as likely to vote against the final bill, which includes a proposed $4 trillion debt ceiling increase. He has stated that this is a red line for him.
Nonetheless, Johnson is seen as a more pressing concern for leadership.
Johnson engaged in a lengthy discussion with Trump during a Senate Finance Committee meeting at the White House on Wednesday, according to two sources familiar with the situation. One source labeled the discussion as “controversial.”
While Republicans believe Johnson could still support the bill, the conversation raised concerns among GOP leaders regarding his position.
This emphasizes the need for Murkowski and Collins to remain involved in the bill, especially since Trump made a significant impression during his first term on various issues.
“It’s a very delicate balance,” Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) told Hill. “Clearly, we have members with differing priorities and perspectives that span the political spectrum.”
“We listen to everyone, identify what’s important to them, and see if there’s a way to accommodate those needs within the framework of the bill,” Thune elaborated. “But that requires a process.”
Thune is primarily addressing the concerns expressed by Collins and Murkowski, as reported by several Senate GOP sources. He has organized numerous one-on-one and small group discussions.
Both senators have priority items they wish to see amended in the bill.
Murkowski has raised issues regarding the potential work requirements for Medicaid, expressing skepticism about their implementation given the program’s outdated payment structures and the prospective cuts to renewable energy tax credits in the bill.
Both have voiced concerns about how the overall cuts would affect key demographics in their states, including Murkowski’s tribes and Collins’ rural individuals and hospitals.
Maine Republicans have also pointed to the potential for cuts to Medicaid beneficiaries when they approved the budget blueprint in early April.
The drive for support is expected to intensify in the coming days as the relevant committee releases sections of the bill’s text.
“We’re still making progress on our end. Everyone is pulling in various directions,” Murkowski informed reporters on Thursday, noting the importance of energy and coast guard regulations while also emphasizing the necessity for Medicaid considerations.
Murkowski also mentioned that she has not received any calls from Trump akin to those made to conservatives, but has connected with figures from previous administrations. Among them is the Administrator of the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services, Mehmet Oz, who briefly spoke with her following the Senate GOP luncheon last week. The two are expected to have a more in-depth conversation soon regarding her concerns.
Collins is anticipated to engage many agency managers to facilitate what her colleagues described as a systematic approach.
“Susan is incredibly diligent, has extensive knowledge, and understands the intricacies. There are many unique issues in Maine compared to other states, and everyone acknowledges that,” said Sen. Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), a member of GOP Leadership.
Others believe political factors may play into the dynamics, suggesting Murkowski might be easier to persuade. Collins is facing re-election next year in a state that supported former Vice President Harris.
Support for any of the bills could ultimately hinge on their potential impact on their respective states.
Murkowski had previously backed the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which was a significant priority during her time in the Senate as it opened the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to drilling.
“If he were truly focused on Alaska, he wouldn’t need to pressure me,” Murkowski stated when asked if it was inappropriate for Trump to apply pressure during the legislative process. “If it benefits Alaska, then it earns my vote.”
Source: thehill.com