The Daily Punch Will reconciliation hit the House floor today?
May 21, 2025
Tensions rise as the House Rules Committee gears up for a crucial GOP reconciliation bill vote. Speaker Mike Johnson's leadership is put to the test amid a storm of amendments. Meanwhile, Senate Majority Leader John Thune faces a fierce debate over institutional rules, particularly challenging environmental regulations in California. Additionally, the Democratic effort to find a formidable candidate to oppose Senator Susan Collins in Maine adds to the political intrigue. With a looming deadline, uncertainty cloaks potential legislative moves.
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House Rules Committee's Struggle
- The House Rules Committee is meeting in the early morning to prepare the reconciliation bill amid a challenging process with 537 amendments submitted.
- The delay in releasing the manager's amendment leaves Republicans and Democrats uneasy about the bill's last-minute changes.
CBO's Deficit and Inequality Warning
- The CBO found the GOP reconciliation bill would increase the deficit by $2.3 trillion and trigger automatic cuts to Medicare.
- It disproportionately benefits the richest 10% while lowering incomes of the poorest 10%, drawing sharp partisan criticism.
SALT Cap Raise Sparks GOP Tensions
- Mike Johnson is proposing to raise the SALT cap to $40,000 for incomes under $500,000, with annual escalations.
- This falls short of what some Republicans want and risks conservative backlash, emphasizing tension within the party.