On Thursday, the White House reiterated its expectation that Congress will approve the substantial reconciliation package containing the president’s crucial agenda items by next week, even after a significant hurdle presented by the Senate parliamentarian.
“We expect that bill to be on the president’s desk for signature by July 4th,” press secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters at a press briefing.
“I am aware of the Senate parliamentarian’s ruling this morning. This development is part and parcel of the legislative process and the intricate operations of the United States Senate. Nevertheless, the president is steadfast in his desire to have this bill on his desk at the White House by Independence Day,” Leavitt stated.
The Senate’s arbiter dismissed a proposal to limit states’ use of health care provider taxes to gain additional federal Medicaid funding, dealing a setback to the Republican strategy aimed at reducing federal spending in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.
The House has already passed its version of the reconciliation package. It must still get through the Senate, and any changes must go back to the House for approval before going to Trump’s desk for his signature.
The Senate parliamentarian’s ruling could threaten one of the key provisions to offset federal spending costs. As a result, it could create consternation among fiscal hawks in the GOP who were already concerned the massive piece of legislation did not do enough to cut federal spending.
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Republicans could get around the parliamentarian’s rulings by holding a simple-majority vote on the floor to establish a new precedent, expanding the scope of what is eligible under reconciliation.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) said he would not overrule the parliamentarian over her decision.
Leavitt said she had not spoken to Trump about whether he thought the parliamentarian should be removed over the decision.
