Updated May 20, 2025 at 9:46 AM EDT
In a bid to advance a comprehensive legislative package, President Donald Trump visited Capitol Hill to rally Republican lawmakers. This initiative is crucial for enacting significant parts of the GOP’s agenda, despite ongoing internal disagreements.
Trump downplayed existing divisions, asserting a unified Republican front. “This is really just a pep talk. We have a very unified House, and we have a very unified Senate,” he stated, adding, “I don’t think the Republican party has ever been so unified.”
The legislation, encompassing tax cuts, spending reductions, deregulation, and increased border security funding, is central to Trump’s vision of “one, big, beautiful bill.” However, these elements have revealed fissures within the party, risking the bill’s progress.
Efforts to reconcile differences included weekend negotiations after a failed budget committee vote the previous Friday. By Sunday night, the committee advanced the bill, with dissenting members opting to vote “present.”
Rep. Chip Roy of Texas expressed his decision to vote present as a gesture of respect for the Republican Conference and the President.
Despite these developments, Trump criticized Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., another holdout, suggesting he should be ousted from office for not backing the bill, claiming Massie “doesn’t understand government.”
Pressure from Pennsylvania Avenue
House leaders have acknowledged Trump’s engagement throughout the legislative process. “Every step of the way, when there were questions, when there were final decisions that had to be made, [President Trump] was always one phone call away,” said House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, R-La.
Trump’s proposed tax cuts—eliminating taxes on tips, overtime, and Social Security—raise the bill’s cost. Yet, he remains noncommittal about funding these cuts, leaving intra-party debates unresolved.
As the Memorial Day deadline looms, Trump and GOP leaders face the challenge of uniting three key factions. However, lifting the SALT deduction cap has garnered skepticism from Trump, who believes it favors certain Democratic-led states.
The Freedom Caucus remains skeptical about the bill’s fiscal impact, despite concessions such as accelerated Medicaid work requirements. This has provoked concerns over potential coverage threats for millions, especially during the upcoming midterm elections.
Described by former aides as the “ultimate closer,” Trump continues to exert pressure on dissenters via social media, urging unity and warning against grandstanding within the party.
Copyright 2025 NPR
—
Read More Michigan News
