Senate Republican Whip John Thune Hints at Vote on the 27th in Exclusive Interview with Axios
Expresses Determination to Push the Bill Through
Internal Deadline Set for July 4
Senate Republican Whip John Thune stated that a vote on President Donald Trump's "one big, beautiful bill" is expected to begin on the 27th (local time). Depending on the content of the bill and the nature of the political conflict surrounding it, the outcome may significantly impact not only President Trump's legislative achievements but also the landscape of the upcoming presidential election.
In an exclusive interview with Axios on the 24th, Senator Thune revealed this timeline and suggested that the voting process could extend through the weekend. He told Axios, "Once we start voting, we're going to push it through. We'll enter a 'vote-a-rama' and see it through to the end, whenever that may be," expressing his determination to proceed with the bill.
It is reported that Senator Thune held a private meeting with House Speaker Mike Johnson around noon on the same day. He indicated that even up until just before the meeting, "Recently, I haven't even had time to discuss the bill with Speaker Johnson," suggesting that both the House and Senate are engrossed in unprecedentedly busy schedules as they work to coordinate the bill.
Currently, House leadership is reportedly concerned about whether the Senate version of the bill can pass the House on its own. The situation is particularly uncertain because both hardline conservatives and moderates within the Republican Party are opposing certain key provisions. Hardline conservatives object to the SALT (State and Local Tax) deduction relief and the delay in artificial intelligence (AI) regulation, arguing that these amount to tax cuts for the wealthy and special favors for industry. Moderates, on the other hand, are worried that tax changes for Medicaid healthcare providers and stricter food assistance requirements could lead to the collapse of local healthcare systems and a reduction in welfare.
As a result, the increase in the SALT deduction cap and issues related to Medicaid (health insurance for low-income individuals) are expected to become the main points of contention that will determine the vote. SALT allows high-income earners to deduct state and local taxes on their federal tax returns, currently up to a maximum of $10,000. The current bill proposes to raise this cap to $40,000. This measure is advantageous to Democratic-leaning states like New York and California, where there are many high-income earners, and has drawn opposition from some conservatives. The reduction in the tax cap for Medicaid is raising concerns that decreased funding could lead to cuts in medical services.
Regarding these issues, Senator Thune expressed optimism, saying, "The fact that both sides are dissatisfied now means we are getting closer to a deal." He declined to comment on whether the Senate has secured a majority of 51 votes, but added that President Trump is actively persuading his party members through phone calls and small group meetings.
Meanwhile, it has been reported that House Speaker Mike Johnson has instructed Republican members not to leave Washington this weekend. This measure is intended to ensure that, if the Senate begins voting on the 27th and passes the bill over the weekend, the House can immediately proceed with the next steps.
Congress has set an internal deadline to place President Trump's bill on his desk by Independence Day on July 4. Therefore, this weekend is expected to be the critical turning point for the bill's passage.
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