Republicans Force Change On Trump
Washington, D.C. – Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) is steering a high-stakes legislative effort to deliver on President Donald Trump’s transformative agenda — but internal GOP tensions over taxes and government spending may force key revisions to the bill.
At the center of the debate is the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act”, a comprehensive proposal loaded with America First policies — from tax relief to Medicaid reform. The bill is a cornerstone of the Trump administration’s push to put working Americans, not Washington elites, first.
After an intense closed-door meeting Thursday with both moderate and conservative House Republicans, Speaker Johnson said changes are on the way to secure enough support for passage.
“If we adjust tax deductions, we’ll need corresponding spending cuts. That’s the balancing act,” Johnson explained, referencing the State and Local Tax (SALT) deduction cap.
🔧 GOP Moderates Want Tax Relief for Blue States
Moderate Republicans from states like New York, New Jersey, and California are pushing to raise the proposed SALT cap above the current $30,000 threshold — particularly for earners making over $400,000. They argue that taxpayers in high-cost states deserve more relief.
“We made some progress,” said Rep. Nick LaLota (R-N.Y.), a member of the SALT Caucus. “But we need real movement to get behind this bill.”
Fellow SALT Caucus member Rep. Andrew Garbarino (R-N.Y.) confirmed the group submitted new budget requests to explore compromise options.
💰 Fiscal Conservatives Demand Deep Spending Cuts
On the other side, fiscal hawks are drawing a red line: no higher tax deductions without serious belt-tightening. Conservatives are urging immediate reforms to Medicaid, green energy tax credits, and other spending programs many see as bloated and inefficient.
“We’re committed to getting President Trump’s agenda passed — but we have to do it responsibly,” said Rep. Byron Donalds (R-Fla.). “If SALT goes up, spending must come down.”
Top conservative priorities include:
- Accelerating Medicaid work requirements for able-bodied adults (currently delayed until 2029)
- Lowering Medicaid reimbursement rates for states expanded under ObamaCare
- Eliminating the “provider tax” loophole
- Rolling back green energy tax credits championed by the Biden administration
“This bill is about far more than tax policy,” said Rep. Andy Harris (R-Md.), chairman of the House Freedom Caucus. “It’s about restoring fiscal sanity.”
⚠️ Growing Tensions Ahead of Key Vote
The divide between moderates and conservatives could threaten the bill’s momentum. Rep. Chip Roy (R-Texas), a powerful voice in the conservative bloc, warned Thursday that the bill won’t move forward in its current form.
With enough Freedom Caucus members on the House Budget Committee to block a vote, Friday’s scheduled markup could be delayed unless changes are made swiftly.
“I won’t support it unless key reforms are included,” Roy said. “The math needs to work — for taxpayers, not just politicians.”
Still, Speaker Johnson remains confident.
“We are on course to get this done next week,” he stated. “I’m encouraged by the conversations. Our focus is on delivering for the American people — and fulfilling the promises of President Trump’s vision.”
🧭 What’s Next for the “One Big Beautiful Bill”?
As negotiations continue through the weekend, GOP lawmakers are awaiting updated budget scoring from the Congressional Budget Office. The outcome could determine whether Trump’s signature bill heads to the House floor or stalls in committee.
With tax policy, welfare reform, and federal spending all on the line, this bill is shaping up to be a defining moment for Republican unity — and for President Trump’s 2025 legislative legacy.
