Today, Explained Donald Trump’s “Big, Beautiful Bill”
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May 21, 2025 
Burgess Everett, Congressional Bureau Chief at Semaphore, and Jonathan Martin, a columnist for Politico, dive into Donald Trump's ambitious legislative plan nicknamed the 'big, beautiful bill.' They discuss the hurdles Trump faces within his own party, particularly around tax cuts and family leave. The conversation also reveals deepening Republican tensions over the SALT deduction issue stemming from Trump's past tax reforms, showcasing the evolving identity of the party and its implications for future legislation and elections.
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Complex Bills Face Big Challenges
- Big legislative packages often struggle because they are too large and complex.
- Combining many issues makes consensus harder as changes in one area affect others.
Medicaid Changes Cause GOP Rift
- Medicaid changes in the bill are the biggest hurdle, especially co-pays and provider tax cuts.
- Republicans accept work and citizenship requirements but worry about coverage losses.
Josh Hawley Opposes Medicaid Cuts
- Senator Josh Hawley opposes Medicaid benefit cuts as they hurt working poor voters.
- He argues cutting benefits risks alienating key Trump voter supporters.