Washington (AP) – President Donald Trump urged Republicans at the Capitol to halt their disputes over his expansive tax cuts bill, using both encouragement and tough political rhetoric. Multiple Drler Packages In essence, There is a risk of collapse before the scheduled votes this week.
During a more than hour-long session on Tuesday, Trump cautioned Republicans not to alter Medicaid cuts and urged New York lawmakers to conclude their quest for a more substantial local tax credit. Heading into the meeting, the president referred to himself as a Republican “cheerleader” and commended the group’s leadership. Speaker microphone Johnson. However, he also labeled at least one dissenting Republican as an “ancestor” and warned that anyone who lacks support for the bill would be seen as a “fool.”
“We enjoy remarkable unity,” Trump stated as he departed. “I believe we’re going to achieve everything we desire.”
President Donald Trump is set to attend a meeting with House Republican Congress at the Capitol in Washington on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, R-La. He will be accompanied by the Speaker of the House. (AP Photo/Rod Lamkey, Jr.)
The President arrived at a crucial juncture. Although negotiations are progressing, the structure of the package remains unclear. Cuts to Medicaid food assistance and Green Energy Programs are expected to garner the necessary support from the slim Republican majority in the House. Lawmakers are also being asked to incorporate approximately $350 billion into Trump’s border security, deportation, and defense agenda.
Internally, discussions included questions about what one lawmaker described as the president’s “weave” style.
Additionally, Trump indicated his growing impatience with various House Republican factions resisting the bill, as conveyed by a senior White House official who spoke anonymously regarding the private meeting.
Nevertheless, Trump himself questioned this narrative, claiming he had not used foul language while warning against cuts to Medicaid. Instead, he described the meeting as a “love encounter,” receiving several standing ovations from Republicans.
However, it remains unclear if Trump has shifted his stance on finalizing the deal.
“We’re still on track,” said Rep. Andy Harris, chair of the House Freedom Caucus.
Conservatives are advocating for expedited cuts in federal programs to compensate for trillions of dollars in anticipated lost tax revenue. Simultaneously, a core group of lawmakers from New York and other high-tax states is requesting greater tax cuts for their constituents. Concerns about the nation’s $36 trillion debt continue to escalate.
House Democrats have positioned the packages as giveaways for the wealthy at the cost of crucial safety net programs, resulting in infrequent Republican votes. A significant committee hearing is scheduled for Tuesday evening, with aspirations to secure a vote on the House floor by Wednesday afternoon.
“They are literally attempting to strip health care from millions of Americans at this late hour,” stated Hakem Jeffries, the Democratic leader in the House.
Trump has urged Republicans to unite behind the bill, which is a representation of his vision for domestic policy in Congress.
He mentioned Sen. Thomas Massey of Kentucky, one of the conservative Republicans, but criticized him harshly.
“I believe he’s frankly an ancestor,” the president remarked. “I think he should be voted out of office.”
Despite being a maverick who often operates solo, Massey has not yet cast his vote.
Similarly, Rep. Mike Lawler, a leading New York Republican advocating for increased state and local tax credits dubbed SALT, remains unconvinced. “At this point, I don’t support the bill.”
A substantial 1,116-page package named ” One Big Beautiful Bill Act aims to extend the tax credits approved during Trump’s initial term. There are no tax indications concerning car loan interest or social security.
However, the financial implications are mounting, as lawmakers face growing uncertainty in the economy.
The nonpartisan Finance Watchdog Group, the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget, estimates that the House bill is projected to accrue roughly $3.3 trillion in debt over the next decade.
Critics within the Republican party contend that the new spending and tax cuts are prioritized, with measures to offset costs delayed.
Specifically, conservative Republicans are seeking to accelerate the implementation of job requirements for Medicaid participants, originally suggested to begin on January 1, 2029. However, GOP Majority Leader Steve Scalise indicated on CNBC that these work requirements would commence in early 2027.
Last week, the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office estimated that at least 7.6 million individuals could lose health insurance.
Republican dissenters are also calling for a quicker cessation of green energy tax credits established under the Biden-era inflation reduction law, which are currently being utilized in renewable energy initiatives nationwide.
However, as Johnson seeks to make concessions to appease the more ardent conservatives, he risks alienating traditional, centrist Republicans. Many have signed letters opposing significant cuts to Medicaid and food assistance programs, as well as retracting the Clean Energy Tax Credit.
At its core, this comprehensive legislative package is designed to extend existing income tax structures and enhance the standard deduction, raising it to $32,000 for joint filers, while increasing the child tax credit to $2,500.
New Yorkers are advocating for larger state and local tax credits beyond the current proposal. Currently, the bill triples the $10,000 cap on state and local tax deductions, increasing it to $30,000 for joint filers earning up to $400,000 annually. They are pushing for deductions of $62,000 for single filers and $124,000 for co-filers.
If the House passes the bill this week, it will advance to the Senate, where Republicans will also seek modifications.
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Associated Press writers Darlene Superyoo and Seung Min Kim contributed to this report.
Source: apnews.com