Trump Seeks Support for Sweeping Tax Reform Plan in Capitol/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ President Trump visited Capitol Hill to rally House Republicans behind his massive tax cut bill. The proposal includes trillions in tax breaks, spending cuts, and controversial policy changes. Internal GOP divisions could threaten its passage this week.
Trump Tax Bill Push Quick Looks
- Trump visits Capitol Hill to unite GOP behind his tax overhaul.
- “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” includes cuts to taxes, Medicaid, and green energy.
- House Freedom Caucus demands deeper, faster federal program cuts.
- New York Republicans want larger deductions for state and local taxes.
- Democrats oppose the bill, calling it a gift to the wealthy.
- Midnight committee hearings set ahead of tight floor vote deadline.
- The proposal may add $3.3 trillion to the national debt.
- Work requirements for Medicaid could affect 7.6 million Americans.
- Some green energy credits from Biden’s era would be repealed.
- Trump says GOP is “very unified” behind the plan.
Deep Look: Trump Tries to Unite House GOP Behind His Signature Tax Cut Bill
WASHINGTON, May 20, 2025 — President Donald Trump arrived on Capitol Hill Tuesday morning in a high-stakes bid to secure Republican support for his ambitious and controversial tax cut package—a multitrillion-dollar proposal that some lawmakers say is teetering on the edge of collapse.
Promoting the package as the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” Trump addressed House Republicans behind closed doors and told reporters the GOP is “very, very unified.” He called himself a “cheerleader” for the party and praised House Speaker Mike Johnson for his leadership.
But signs of deep division remain within the Republican ranks, especially over the bill’s cost, structure, and impact on Medicaid, food assistance, and clean energy initiatives.
A High-Risk Legislative Push
The legislation aims to permanently extend Trump-era tax cuts, eliminate taxes on tips, automobile loan interest, and Social Security benefits, while also significantly expanding the standard deduction and child tax credit.
Yet, the bill’s growing price tag, estimated by the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget to add $3.3 trillion to the national debt over the next decade, has alarmed both fiscal conservatives and moderates.
“We’ve got to do this thing right,” said Rep. Andy Harris (R-Md.), chair of the House Freedom Caucus. “These are complicated issues with trillions of dollars involved.”
Key Factions Demand Concessions
- Hardline conservatives are demanding quicker and deeper spending cuts, particularly to Medicaid and other federal programs.
- Republicans from high-tax states like New York are pushing for larger state and local tax (SALT) deductions to benefit their constituents.
- The bill currently triples the SALT cap from $10,000 to $30,000 for joint filers earning up to $400,000. But New York Republicans want even higher deduction thresholds, up to $124,000 for joint filers.
Speaker Mike Johnson is walking a political tightrope, trying to balance these competing demands without losing the support of moderates wary of deep cuts to health care and clean energy.
Democrats Slam Bill as Elitist Giveaway
Democrats are united in opposition. House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries called the GOP package a “giveaway to the wealthy,” criticizing efforts to gut programs like Medicaid and SNAP (food stamps).
“They literally are trying to take health care away from millions of Americans at this very moment in the dead of night,” Jeffries said, referencing a 1 a.m. committee hearing scheduled to fast-track the bill.
Medicaid, Green Energy Cuts Fuel Controversy
The bill proposes new work requirements for able-bodied Medicaid recipients, initially scheduled for 2029 but recently moved up to early 2027, according to GOP Majority Leader Steve Scalise.
The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimates that 7.6 million Americans could lose health coverage under the proposed Medicaid changes.
The bill also targets Biden-era green energy incentives, including tax breaks for renewable energy projects. While this appeals to conservatives, moderates warn that rolling back climate policies could alienate suburban voters and damage long-term economic growth.
What’s Next: Vote Looms, GOP Unity Tested
A House vote is tentatively set for Wednesday afternoon, following a marathon committee hearing overnight Tuesday. GOP leaders are racing against the clock, knowing they have virtually no room for dissent due to a razor-thin House majority.
If the bill passes the House, it faces a new round of challenges in the Senate, where Republicans are expected to propose further changes and concessions to secure enough support.
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