JUST IN: Thune To Senate: You’re Skipping Recess To Pass The Budget Bill
Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) told reporters Wednesday he will force senators to remain in Washington over the Fourth of July recess to pass the One Big Beautiful Bill.
Republican leadership in the Senate had been hoping to pass the bill before the recess begins on June 27. Senators are set to be back home from June 28 through July 6, The Hill reported.
There are disagreements over the extent of cuts to such things as clean-energy tax credits, changes to Medicaid, and concerns about the federal deficit.
Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) is one of several senators who have not committed to voting for the bill, along with moderate Sen. Susan Collins (ME). Fiscal hawks like Sen. Ron Johnson (R-WI) and Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) have expressed opposition.
With 53-47 Senate majority, Republicans can afford to lose only three votes, assuming all Democrats vote in opposition.
The first version of the bill must again pass the House, which approved the first version by one vote.