Senate Republicans are pushing forward with their version of President Trump’s major healthcare bill, which they hope to pass by July 4. The bill aims to reform Medicaid, and its future is uncertain as it faces challenges from both within the Senate and from House conservatives.
Senator Lindsey Graham, the chair of the Senate Budget Committee, introduced the bill late Friday night. This proposal combines elements from ten different Senate committees, reflecting a month of intense negotiations. Republican leaders are eager to get the bill passed quickly, and there are signs that a vote could happen as soon as Saturday afternoon.
Senator John Kennedy from Louisiana has urged Senate Majority Leader John Thune to bring the bill to the floor swiftly. He emphasized the need for a vote, suggesting that those unhappy with the process can voice their concerns later. However, many Republicans are worried that changes made to the House version of the bill could lead to its downfall.
The bill is not just a simple fix; it includes significant changes to Medicaid, particularly regarding the provider tax rate and food benefit cost-sharing. A new $25 billion fund for rural hospitals has been added to address concerns that changes to the Medicaid tax could harm healthcare facilities in rural areas.
Negotiations are ongoing, with some factions within the GOP pushing for adjustments to the caps on state and local tax deductions. There is a tentative agreement to maintain a $40,000 cap for five years before reducing it to $10,000.
Despite these efforts, there are still many hurdles to overcome. The Senate parliamentarian has ruled that some provisions of the bill do not comply with Senate rules, which could complicate the legislative process. This ruling has sent lawmakers back to revise parts of the bill.
Republican leaders are determined to pass the package, hoping that pressure from the White House will persuade some lawmakers to support it. If the motion to proceed is approved, it will lead to 20 hours of debate before a final vote can take place. Democrats are expected to use their time to propose amendments that will prolong the process.
Once the Senate votes on the bill, it will return to the House, where Speaker Mike Johnson will need to rally support again. The bill barely passed last month, so there is concern about whether it can gain enough backing now.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has stressed the importance of passing the bill on time. He believes that getting it to the president’s desk by July 4 will provide much-needed certainty for businesses and help boost the economy in the coming months.