House Prepares to Vote on Revised One Big Beautiful Bill Act
The House of Representatives is set to vote on the revised Senate version of President Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill (OBB) Act, potentially as early as Wednesday. However, significant resistance is brewing among some lawmakers who are struggling to align with the reforms proposed by their Senate counterparts. Despite these challenges, Speaker Johnson has historically managed to rally support, even when faced with similar dissent.
Senate Vote and Its Implications
On Tuesday morning, the Senate passed its version of the OBB Act, largely due to Senator Murkowski’s insistence on provisions that would directly benefit Alaska. Vice President Vance had to cast a tie-breaking vote after Senators Tillis, Paul, and Collins opposed the bill.
"Do I like this bill? No," said Senator Murkowski. "I try to take care of Alaska’s interests. You can either say, ‘I don’t like it’ and not try to help my state, or you can roll up your sleeves."
Key Changes and Concerns
The Senate’s revisions have resulted in hundreds of billions of dollars being added to the deficit, primarily because of reduced spending cuts and additional tax cuts. This has left some House conservatives feeling uneasy, especially considering they had already supported a version with its own deficit concerns back in May.
House Conservatives voice their worries:
- Congressman Andy Biggs noted on KTAR News, “It’s hard for me to conceive that it’ll pass as is. There’s some amazingly bad stuff in here.”
- Some of the specific grievances include:
- A milder phase-out for green energy tax credits.
- A one-year defunding of Planned Parenthood.
- Access to Medicaid for migrants.
Voices Against the Bill
- Congressman Chip Roy, active on social media, stated that he and his colleagues find the Senate changes unacceptable, particularly criticizing the leniency on green energy credits.
- “I am tired of swamp creatures — including so-called conservative ones — gaslighting America," he added.
- Congressman Keith Self echoed similar sentiments, labeling the Senate’s version as “NOT President Trump’s BBB — this is a swamp creation!”
Stripped Provisions and Next Steps
Some lawmakers have expressed dissatisfaction about lost provisions in the Senate version. Congressman Andrew Clyde had previously secured measures to eliminate certain taxes on firearms, which were not included in the Senate revisions.
“I just introduced an amendment to remove the [National Firearms Act] registration requirement for suppressors,” Clyde stated.
Despite previous commitment to withhold votes until his provisions were addressed, he faces challenges in re-integrating them.
Ultimately, Congressman Ralph Norman from the House Rules Committee declared his opposition to the bill, indicating he would vote against it until adjustments are made to reflect House interests.
Speaker Johnson’s Strategic Position
Speaker Johnson has consistently urged Senators to maintain the integrity of the House-passed bill, but his appeals have largely gone unheeded. Nevertheless, historical patterns suggest that dissenting members may still align with the vote once it’s presented.
Historically, only two House Republicans opposed the bill during its previous vote in May. With all members present, Speaker Johnson can afford to lose a maximum of three Republican votes to pass the legislation.
Conclusion
As the House gears up for a crucial vote on the revised One Big Beautiful Bill Act, tensions are palpable among lawmakers. Whether Speaker Johnson can navigate through the opposition and garner support remains to be seen, especially given the stakes involved with the looming deficit. The outcome may redefine not just the legislation itself but also the political dynamics within Congress.
For more details, explore the Senate Bill’s implications and its potential impacts on fiscal policies.
Make sure to check back for live updates on this unfolding story, as the political landscape continues to evolve.